Somalia Showcases Human Rights Achievements in Geneva

 

Geneva, October 3, 2025 – The Federal Government of Somalia, through the Ministry of Family Affairs and Human Rights in collaboration with the Somali Embassy in Geneva, Switzerland, held a special side event at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. The forum highlighted the significant progress Somalia has made in the promotion and protection of human rights.

The event, which drew participants from a wide range of countries, was co-chaired by Somalia’s Minister of Family Affairs and Human Rights, H.E. Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, and the United Kingdom’s Ambassador for Human Rights, H.E. Eleanor Sanders. Several member states of the UN Human Rights Council were present, reflecting the growing international interest in Somalia’s human rights journey.

Key Speeches and Contributions

Ambassador Qadra Ducaale, Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, delivered a comprehensive overview of Somalia’s progress and challenges in advancing human rights. She emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, empowering women and youth, and ensuring that human rights remain at the center of national development policies.

Other notable speakers included representatives from the UK Mission on Human Rights, as well as Somali civil society actors. Among them was Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary-General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), who voiced the perspectives of Somali civil society and emphasized the need to protect press freedom as a cornerstone of democratic development.

Additionally, Mohamed Bashir Omar, Director General of the Ministry of Family Affairs, and Charles Kent, First Secretary at the UK Mission, contributed to the discussions. Their insights shed light on both the progress Somalia has made and the hurdles that still need to be overcome, particularly in areas such as governance, institutional capacity, and security.

Recognition of Progress

Delegates from the participating countries acknowledged and welcomed Somalia’s tangible progress in the human rights sector. Many praised the Somali government for its commitment to international cooperation and for creating space for dialogue with civil society. The steps Somalia has taken in legislative reforms, advocacy for women’s and children’s rights, and engagement with international human rights mechanisms were noted as remarkable achievements.

At the same time, participants also highlighted the challenges that persist. Issues such as ongoing security concerns, weak institutional frameworks, and limited resources remain significant barriers. However, the collective message was one of encouragement and support, urging Somalia to continue on its path of reform and resilience.

Building Partnerships for the Future

The Geneva event not only provided a platform for Somalia to showcase its achievements but also served as an opportunity to build stronger partnerships with international allies. The collaborative spirit demonstrated between Somali authorities, civil society, and international partners underscored the importance of shared responsibility in addressing human rights issues.

By hosting such forums, Somalia is reaffirming its readiness to engage with the international community and to learn from best practices in human rights protection. The event was a step forward in strengthening Somalia’s voice on the global stage, demonstrating that despite the challenges, the country is committed to progress and accountability.

As Somalia continues its journey of state-building and democratic transformation, the recognition received in Geneva marks an important milestone. It reflects the resilience of the Somali people and the government’s determination to ensure that human rights remain a central pillar of national recovery and development.