Somali Cabinet Approves Nine Nominees for National Human Rights Commission

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Cabinet on Thursday approved a list of nine nominees for appointment to the country’s National Independent Human Rights Commission, in a key step toward strengthening accountability and the rule of law.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre chaired the late-night session in Mogadishu where the nominations were formally endorsed following a vetting process overseen by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development.

Officials said the selection process was based on merit and conducted in line with national legislation, specifically Law No. 16 of 2016, and guided by international benchmarks including the Paris Principles and the standards of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The nominees are expected to lead efforts to monitor, promote, and protect human rights across the country, at a time when Somalia is grappling with internal conflict, displacement, and the need for stronger legal safeguards.

“The endorsement of these candidates signals Somalia’s growing commitment to upholding human rights and building transparent institutions,” a government statement said.

The commission, once operational, will be Somalia’s first fully independent body dedicated to human rights monitoring and advocacy.