21/07/2025
HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL IN SOMALIA
Human rights are fundamental entitlements inherent to all human beings. They are inalienable, universal, and essential to peace, justice, and development. For Somalia, a country navigating the legacies of conflict, fragility, and transition, the promotion and protection of human rights are crucial for ensuring security and stability, building democracy, promoting good governance, achieving sustainable development, and fostering lasting peace and prosperity.
Every person is born free and equal in rights and is deserving of respect, protection, and opportunity. Human rights are not granted by governments, nor are they subject to culture, conditions, or circumstances. They form the foundation of civilized, democratic, inclusive, and stable societies.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees that all individuals, regardless of gender, background, tribe, nationality, language, color, or any other status, are entitled to fundamental human rights. These include civil and political rights as well as economic, social, and cultural rights. These rights are not negotiable. They do not disappear during times of crisis or conflict. When rights are upheld, societies thrive. When they are denied, division, injustice, and instability take root.
The Human Rights Situation in Somalia:
Despite its international commitments, Somalia continues to face significant human rights challenges. Decades of civil war, terrorism, political instability, the absence of a finalized and widely accepted constitution, and ongoing humanitarian crises have left deep scars on the nation. These circumstances have displaced millions and left many wounded, imprisoned, persecuted, or silenced. Inequality and injustice remain widespread, while minority communities are often marginalized, excluded, and denied full participation in political, social, and economic life.
Shrinking Civic Space in Somalia:
Civic space in Somalia remains severely restricted, posing a serious threat to fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. These restrictions undermine democratic principles and weaken public participation.
An environment of fear and silence has emerged, eroding public trust, stifling innovation, and weakening national unity. When civic space contracts, democratic engagement declines. The absence of strong civic institutions prevents citizens from holding leaders accountable, obstructs development, and deprives individuals of the opportunity to shape their own futures.
Human Rights and Development Are Inseparable:
Protecting human rights is not only a moral obligation but also a prerequisite for sustainable development. When rights are respected, people are empowered to participate fully, contribute meaningfully, and shape their own futures. Access to education, healthcare, employment, and political inclusion depends on rights-based governance and equitable policies, which in turn promote economic growth, political stability, and lasting development.
The right to development is itself a human right. Every individual and community is entitled to enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political progress. Sustainable development cannot be achieved in the presence of inequality, discrimination, and injustice. By protecting human rights, Somalia invests in peace. By promoting inclusion, it strengthens national unity. By empowering its people, it builds resilience and lays the foundation for lasting stability and prosperity.
Know Your Rights and Defend Them:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Article 1:
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
This declaration grants you rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the rights to education, healthcare, and employment. It also includes the right to participate in political and public life and the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and oppression.
You were born free. You were born equal in dignity and rights. Never accept injustice, inequality, impunity, or intimidation. Never remain silent when your rights or the rights of others are violated.
Raise your voice. Support those who defend freedom. Stand up for those who have been silenced. Human rights begin with awareness and are sustained by action.
The Federal Republic of Somalia is a member of both the United Nations and the African Union. Through these memberships, Somalia has ratified several key international human rights treaties and conventions. The country has also adopted optional protocols that empower individuals and civil society to file complaints and seek protection through international human rights mechanisms when domestic remedies are insufficient.
Every Somali citizen has the right to seek justice both nationally and internationally. These international commitments ensure that no human rights violation goes unanswered and that the voices of victims are heard, acknowledged, and upheld.
Recognize. Refrain. React. Record. Report.
Stand. Speak. Support.
Your rights are your power.
