Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
Related Articles
MOGADISHU – The Chairperson of the National Independent Human Rights Commission of Somalia, Dr. Maryan Qaasim Ahmed, met Thursday in Mogadishu with the new United Nations Development Programme representative in Somalia, Christophoros Pouletis, to discuss strengthening cooperation and expanding the partnership between the two sides in the areas of human rights protection and national institutional capacity-building. The meeting focused on a number of shared priorities related to strengthening the commission’s institutional performance and supporting its ability to carry out its national mandate, contributing to the stronger integration of rights and freedoms issues into Somalia’s institution-building process.
The two sides discussed opportunities to develop technical and institutional cooperation, with particular emphasis on building the commission’s capacity and improving its tools for carrying out its responsibilities in accordance with the relevant legal frameworks. They also discussed the importance of technical support, training and the exchange of expertise to improve professional performance and strengthen the commission’s ability to monitor and address human rights issues effectively, as well as possibilities for expanding joint programmes and initiatives that could contribute to raising awareness of rights and freedoms and serving the community.
The meeting also addressed ways to improve coordination among institutions and actors working in the field of human rights, with the aim of strengthening the integration of efforts, exchanging expertise and supporting responses to human rights issues. The two sides discussed opportunities to develop and implement joint initiatives during the next phase, allowing support to be directed towards the most pressing human rights priorities and strengthening cooperation between national institutions and international partners in the areas of governance, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights.
The meeting was attended by Director General of the National Independent Human Rights Commission Mustafa Ahmed Mahmoud and Head of Good Governance Programmes at the United Nations Development Programme Evariste Sibomana. Participants discussed practical aspects of the partnership and mechanisms for developing communication, coordination and follow-up channels, as well as issues that could form the basis for future cooperation programmes supporting the commission’s technical and administrative capacities and strengthening its role within Somalia’s national human rights framework.
The meeting comes as the National Independent Human Rights Commission seeks to expand its network of cooperation with international partners and strengthen its institutional and technical capacities, enabling it to carry out its role more independently and effectively in monitoring the human rights situation and promoting respect for rights and freedoms. Cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme also highlights the importance of international partnerships in supporting national institutions, particularly in the areas of capacity-building, governance and the rule of law, while helping develop monitoring and follow-up mechanisms and improve responses to human rights cases and complaints.
The National Independent Human Rights Commission is one of Somalia’s national institutions concerned with protecting rights and freedoms and promoting a culture of respect for them, while the United Nations Development Programme focuses on supporting governance, capacity-building and institutional development. Cooperation between the two sides is particularly important because building strong and independent national human rights institutions requires the development of human and technical capacities, improved monitoring and follow-up tools, and broader coordination channels with national and international institutions. Sustainable partnerships in this area can strengthen the commission’s ability to fulfil its mandate effectively and link human rights protection efforts with governance, the rule of law and institution-building, thereby serving Somali society and strengthening confidence in national mechanisms responsible for protecting rights and freedoms.
