Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud assents to Human Rights bill

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Sunday signed into law the Human Rights Commission bill which effectively opens the door for the creation of the Human Rights Commission in Somalia.

While signing the bill at Villa Somalia, Mogadishu, President Mohamud said the signing was indicative of the importance of the bill and need to observe the rights of any person living in Somalia.

“The Commission will be the highest organ in the Federal Government of Somalia which protects the rights of citizens. Everyone will be accountable to the law and in accordance with the constitution of Somalia,” said President Mohamud in a statement.

The President pledged his support to ensure the commission effectively executes its functions.

The law is expected to rein in human rights violations in the country which largely go unprosecuted. Human rights groups among them Human Rights Watch have severally pointed to gross violations of human rights perpetrated both by the state, clan militias and armed groups in Somalia.

African Union troops in Somalia have also come under criticism for human rights violations with cases of rape and other forms of sexual violations reported.

Journalists have also been victims of human rights violations with some having to pay the ultimate price. The Committee to Protect Journalists and the National Union of Somali Journalists indicate that over 35 journalists have been killed since 2012 in Somalia. In most cases, those behind the killings have always walked scot-free.

In a report in May this year, Human Rights Watch said Government authorities have failed to adequately investigate and prosecute those responsible for abuses, leaving journalists to live in fear.