Somalia Seeks Stronger EU Backing for Human Rights and Governance Reforms

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Human Rights Commission says it is set to deepen cooperation with the European Union following talks in Mogadishu focused on strengthening accountability, governance and protection of human rights.

The meeting brought together the chairperson of Somalia’s Independent National Human Rights Commission, Maryam Qasim, and the EU’s ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro.

Discussions centred on expanding support for the commission’s work, improving institutional capacity and increasing cooperation on issues including rule of law, transparency and protection of vulnerable communities.

The talks form part of wider efforts by the federal government of Somalia to strengthen civilian institutions as the country undergoes political and constitutional reforms while trying to recover from decades of conflict and instability.

The partnership with the EU could help Somalia improve oversight systems and public accountability at a time when the government is under growing pressure to demonstrate progress on governance, justice and human rights protections.

The discussions also come as international partners increasingly link long-term development and investment support to institutional reforms and stronger democratic structures.

The European Union is one of Somalia’s biggest international partners, supporting programs related to governance, elections, stabilization and justice-sector reform.

Somalia has in recent years stepped up efforts to rebuild state institutions and improve international cooperation as it seeks to balance security operations against Al-Shabab with broader economic and political reforms.