UN Human Rights condemns civilian killings in Somalia, calls for action
The UN Human Rights has condemned the killing of civilians in Daynile district yesterday who were queuing for food aid calling for urgent investigations on the matter.
Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović said in a media conference in Mogadishu today those receiving assistance are vulnerable, and access to humanitarian aid should be prioritized.
“I am outraged by the killings of innocent civilians seeking humanitarian aid yesterday in Mogadishu. I wish to stress that perpetrators of this crime must be identified and punished,” said Šimonović.
Human rights
Šimonović also called on all actors in the security sector including the national army and the African Union backed force, AMISOM to uphold the rights of citizens in their work and that cases of violations must be dealt with accordingly.
“As you are aware, allegations of serious human rights violations during military operations are reported regularly. These include allegations of extra-judicial and summary executions, arbitrary detention, and sexual violence. I call on the Federal Government to step up its efforts to protect human rights and on all security forces operating in Somalia, including the Somali National Army, AMISOM and other foreign forces to take effective measures to prevent and address violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.,” said Šimonović.
His remarks come in the wake of reports of human rights violations by government and AMISOM troops. A campaign group, Journalists for Justice, last week released a damning report on human rights violations by Kenyan troops under AMISOM in Jubbaland.
AMISOM troops were also accused mid this year of civilian killings in Marka, Lower Shabelle with rape allegations also made against the force September last year.
Human Rights Watch report in October noted human rights abuse of people with disabilities in Somaliland. “Men with perceived or actual psychosocial disabilities face abusive restraints, beatings, involuntary treatment, and overcrowding in private and public health centers. Most are held against their will and have no possibility of challenging their detention,” read the report.
Death penalty
Šimonović also urged the government of Somalia to move away from the death penalty including by reducing the types of crimes where capital punishment is applied and adopting a moratorium on executions.
Assistant Secretary-General who completed his human rights assessment in Somalia also lauded the government in progress made in building and reforming its institutions, including in the security sector. Šimonović added the steps by parliament to establish the Commission on Human Rights was commendable but urged the Parliament to ensure the Commission’s independence and its compliance with the Paris Principles.