Somalia Seeks Greater Control of Human Rights Agenda as UN Mission Ends

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia is moving to take greater responsibility for protecting human rights as the United Nations shifts from direct political support towards strengthening national institutions, following the closure of its transitional mission in the country.

The opening of a dedicated office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Mogadishu marks a new phase in cooperation between Somalia and the world body, with greater emphasis on building local capacity and implementing national human rights priorities.

The development comes as the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) concludes its operations, ending a chapter of international political assistance that supported state-building, reconciliation and institutional reforms.

Somalia’s Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, visited the newly opened OHCHR office on Monday to assess progress under the country’s Human Rights Transition Plan.

The plan is intended to guide the transfer of responsibilities and strengthen Somalia’s ability to manage human rights programmes through its own institutions, while maintaining technical cooperation with the United Nations.

During the visit, UN officials briefed the minister and her team on implementation progress, operational arrangements and priorities for improving human rights protection.

Al-Makhzoumi called for faster implementation of key activities and closer cooperation between the government and OHCHR.

The shift comes as Somalia continues to face serious human rights challenges, including the impact of armed conflict, displacement and limited institutional capacity.

Years of insecurity have exposed civilians to violence and weakened mechanisms for protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring accountability.

The federal government’s efforts to strengthen domestic oversight are therefore likely to face scrutiny over whether institutional reforms translate into practical improvements for citizens.

Government officials said they had pushed for the re-establishment of a dedicated OHCHR presence in Mogadishu to ensure continued international support as the UN’s political mission winds down.

Unlike a political mission, OHCHR focuses specifically on promoting and protecting human rights, including providing technical assistance, supporting national institutions and monitoring human rights concerns.

The ministry said Somalia remained committed to implementing the transition plan and working with international partners to strengthen human rights institutions.

The new arrangements will test Somalia’s ability to assume greater responsibility for human rights protection while maintaining independent oversight and international cooperation.