Somalia, UN Discuss Expanding Cooperation on Human Rights and Peacebuilding

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Independent National Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund have agreed to expand cooperation on peacebuilding, institutional development and human rights protection during talks held in Mogadishu on Wednesday.

The discussions focused on strengthening support for Somalia’s human rights sector through closer collaboration between the commission and the United Nations, particularly in areas linked to peacebuilding, governance and institutional capacity-building.

Brian James Williams, head of funding at the U.N. Peacebuilding Fund, praised the commission’s performance and its efforts to advance accountability and human rights protections despite operating under difficult conditions, according to a statement issued after the talks.

The commission’s chairperson, Maryan Qaasim, emphasized the need for sustained international support to strengthen national institutions tasked with protecting human rights and promoting stability in Somalia.

Both sides also highlighted the importance of long-term cooperation aimed at reinforcing peacebuilding initiatives and improving the effectiveness of Somalia’s human rights institutions as the country continues efforts to rebuild state structures after decades of conflict.

Somalia has increasingly relied on support from international partners, including the United Nations, to strengthen governance, justice and human rights institutions amid continuing security and humanitarian challenges.