Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
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MOGADISHU – Today, Wednesday, the Somali Independent National Human Rights Commission held a high-level consultative meeting in Mogadishu with the participation of several national institutions concerned with justice and human rights, including the Somali Custodial Corps, the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, as well as officials from the Commission. The meeting aimed to strengthen institutional cooperation and develop joint mechanisms to ensure the protection of detainees’ rights and improve monitoring of their conditions in prisons and detention facilities across the country.
The meeting discussed the importance of enhancing coordination among justice, security, and oversight institutions, as well as developing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms related to prison conditions. Participants emphasized the need to ensure respect for detainees’ dignity and fundamental rights in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards. They noted that protecting individuals deprived of their liberty is a shared responsibility among state institutions and requires continuous cooperation to establish a more just and humane detention system.
The meeting received technical support and participation from the United Nations Transitional Support Mission in Somalia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, where participants discussed the role of the Somali Independent National Human Rights Commission in strengthening oversight of prisons and detention facilities. Discussions also focused on monitoring compliance with international standards related to the treatment of detainees and supporting the development of a correctional system based on safety, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening independent inspection visits to prisons and detention centers, assessing the living conditions of detainees, and identifying challenges that may affect their access to legal and humanitarian rights. The meeting stressed the need to increase awareness among relevant institutions regarding their legal and humanitarian responsibilities and to create detention environments that balance security requirements with the protection of the rights and dignity of every person undergoing legal procedures.
The Somali Independent National Human Rights Commission affirmed that safeguarding the rights and dignity of every person deprived of liberty is a fundamental component of building the rule of law and strengthening public confidence in justice institutions. The Commission stressed that improving prison conditions and detention practices requires continued partnership between national institutions and relevant international organizations, supporting Somalia’s commitment to advancing human rights and fulfilling its legal obligations.
The meeting comes as part of Somalia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the justice system and promote a culture of human rights. Observers say expanding independent oversight of detention facilities represents an important step toward building more transparent and accountable institutions, while achieving a balance between security needs and respect for fundamental freedoms.
In recent years, Somalia has been working to develop its justice sector and rebuild institutions related to the rule of law as part of national efforts to strengthen the protection of rights and freedoms and improve the performance of public institutions. Prison and detainee conditions remain among the sensitive issues directly linked to the principles of justice and human dignity.
The Somali Independent National Human Rights Commission continues to carry out its responsibilities in monitoring, evaluation, and human rights awareness, in cooperation with state institutions and international partners. These efforts aim to support a fairer justice system, strengthen respect for human rights, and contribute to building a modern state based on law and effective institutions.
