Source: The Independent
GENEVA, (HAN) — The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Somalia in strengthening human rights and good governance systems, according to a new resolution the UK presented Wednesday at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Delivering the statement on behalf of the UK’s core group, British Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders said the resolution reflects the UK’s ongoing commitment to backing Somalia’s journey toward lasting peace, development, and accountability.
“Since 1993, Somalia has made significant progress in rebuilding the nation, strengthening governance, and advancing stability and reconciliation,” Sanders said. “We commend the Somali leadership for its continued engagement with this Council and with the broader UN human rights system.”
She also acknowledged the ongoing human rights challenges Somalia continues to face but welcomed the government’s willingness to address them “openly and directly.”
According to the UK, the new resolution aims to enhance technical assistance and capacity-building for Somalia’s judicial and security institutions.
“This resolution marks a historic step forward for Somalia,” Sanders said. “It transitions from a long-standing system of an Independent Expert to a new cooperative framework with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This change demonstrates the growing capacity of Somali institutions, the government’s commitment to reform, and the maturity of Somalia’s engagement with the international community.”
Under the new framework, focus will shift toward supporting Somalia’s national human rights priorities while maintaining monitoring and public reporting mechanisms.
Previously, Somalia’s human rights situation was monitored by independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council.
The current mandate holder, Ms. Isha Dyfan of Sierra Leone, was appointed in May 2020, and her term was extended last year to continue assessing, monitoring, and reporting on the human rights situation in Somalia.
