We acknowledge and commend the government for initiating the long-overdue process of establishing a Human Rights Commission, an essential constitutional obligation and a key demand of civil society actors across the country for over a decade.
While this step is welcome and reflects the aspirations of many human rights defenders, we express our concern that the timing of this initiative may be politically motivated, especially in light of the upcoming elections.
We, therefore, strongly urge that the formation of the commission p adhere to its constitutional mandate, free from political interference and grounded in the principles of independence, transparency, and inclusivity, as outlined in Article 111B of the Constitution.
As critical stakeholders in the protection and promotion of women’s rights, Women Rights Organizations (WROs) emphasize that this Commission must represent the full diversity of Somali society, particularly women, marginalized groups, and civil society actors. This is essential to fulfilling its constitutional powers, as outlined in Article 41 to promote, protect, and effectively monitor human rights across the country.
We categorically reject the use of the clan-based 4.5 power-sharing formula1 in forming this Commission. Human rights are universal and must not be subject to clan quotas or political bargaining. The Commission must be merit-based, composed of individuals of high integrity and a proven commitment to human rights, with strong representation of women and gender equality advocates.
This also aligns with international standards such as the Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles), which call for independence and the pluralistic representation of all social forces involved in the protection and promotion of human rights with respect to national human rights institutions.
Somalia stands at a critical juncture. A credible and inclusive Human Rights Commission will not only fulfill constitutional obligations but also send a powerful signal of the country’s commitment to justice, dignity, and equal rights for all.
We stand ready to support this process and ensure the commission reflects the voices and needs of Somali women and all marginalized communities. In light of this, we reiterate our call on the Somali Parliament to:
- Establish an independent, transparent, and consultative selection process for commissioners; and
- Ensure gender parity and equitable representation of all sectors of society, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minority communities, in line with Somalia’s Constitution and the Paris Principles.
Signed, Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) in Somalia
