Somalia, UK Move to Strengthen Human Rights and Accountability Institutions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Independent National Human Rights Commission and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen cooperation on strengthening accountability, protecting vulnerable communities and advancing institutional reforms aimed at improving human rights protections in Somalia.

The discussions took place during a meeting between the commission’s chairperson, Maryan Qasim, and British Ambassador to Somalia Charles King in Mogadishu.

According to officials, the talks focused on support for the development of Somalia’s Independent National Human Rights Commission, including efforts to strengthen oversight mechanisms, uphold freedom of expression and improve protection for vulnerable groups across the country.

The meeting is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts by the federal government of Somalia to build credible state institutions and improve compliance with international human rights standards as the country continues wider governance and justice-sector reforms.

Officials said cooperation with the UK could help accelerate institutional capacity-building and strengthen accountability frameworks at a time when the government is seeking to enhance public confidence in state institutions and the rule of law.

The commission’s development is also seen as important for Somalia’s broader state-building agenda, including efforts to improve democratic governance, support constitutional reforms and expand protections for civilians affected by conflict and displacement.

Britain remains one of Somalia’s key international partners in governance and institutional reform, supporting programs linked to justice, security-sector accountability and stabilization.

The talks come amid increased international attention on governance, political inclusion and human rights protections in Somalia as the federal government pursues security operations against Al-Shabaab while simultaneously advancing political and economic reforms.