Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
Related Articles
GENEVA — In a move that bolsters Somalia’s diplomatic presence in international forums, H.E. Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, chaired a high-level meeting in Geneva. The session highlighted Mogadishu’s significant strides in advancing freedoms and establishing independent human rights institutions in full alignment with contemporary global standards.
Minister Khadija Al-Makhzoumi chaired an extensive meeting on the sidelines of the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, co-chaired by UN Special Rapporteur Prof. Ben Saul, as reported by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA).
The meeting featured the presentation of the Special Rapporteur’s official report following his recent visit to Somalia, alongside discussions on the African perspective regarding the upcoming review of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, scheduled for this coming June.
Prof. Ben Saul commended the progress achieved by the Federal Government, praising the vital role of the Ministry of Family in empowering national human rights institutions, according to coverage by SONNA from the halls of the international organization.
For her part, the Minister outlined the package of structural reforms implemented by the government, reaffirming Somalia’s steadfast commitment to the principles of accountability, transparency, and the development of legal frameworks protecting public rights and freedoms.
She highlighted the historic step of establishing the Independent National Human Rights Commission, chaired by Maryan Qasim Ahmed, as a cornerstone for oversight, investigation of violations, and ensuring the rule of law.
Reports issued by SONNA indicated that this participation is part of intensive Somali diplomatic efforts aimed at strengthening partnerships with the international community in the fields of good governance and human rights.
The Geneva meeting follows the Minister’s leadership of her country’s delegation at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, reflecting ongoing efforts to consolidate equality and empower Somali women on the global stage.
Mogadishu seeks through these meetings to align its national legislation with international conventions, ensuring the sustainability of human rights reforms and enhancing international trust in emerging governmental and judicial institutions.
This high-level presence reflects the positive shift in Somali diplomacy, which has taken an active role in shaping regional human rights agendas to serve the aspirations of the Somali people for a dignified life.
Somalia’s engagement in the Geneva human rights summit is not merely a ceremonial presence; it is a manifestation of a genuine political will aimed at transitioning the state from a stage of security recovery to comprehensive rights-based and institutional empowerment that places the individual at the heart of development.
