Background

The mandate of the Independent expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia was established in 1993 by Commission on Human Rights resolution E/CN.4/RES/1993/86 and was extended by several successive resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council.

Human Rights Council Resolution (A/HRC/RES/54/32) adopted on 12 October 2023 extended the mandate of the Independent Expert for a period of one year to assess, monitor and report on the situation of human rights in Somalia with a view to making recommendations on technical assistance and capacity-building in the field of human rights.

Objectives

The report will focus on positive human rights developments and challenges in Somalia since July 2023 and provide an update on progress on the implementation of the benchmarks and indicators in the transition plan. 

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

While the Independent Expert welcomes any information, including reports, legislation or other materials deemed pertinent to the protection and promotion of human rights in Somalia, she is particularly interested in the areas below: 

• The human rights situation 
  • Protection of civilians in armed conflict, reconciliation and peace processes
  • Freedom of opinion and expression, assembly and association
  • Access to economic, social and cultural rights.
  • Human rights and climate change
• The humanitarian situation
• Rule of law, accountability and transitional justice
• Groups in focus (Women, Children, Youth, Persons with disabilities, Minorities and marginalized communities)

How inputs will be used

In order to obtain a broad representation of views to inform the report, the Independent Expert is seeking written contributions from all relevant actors.

It is understandable if your submissions focus solely on your area of work.

Kindly submit your responses not exceeding five (5) pages and include hyperlinks to relevant documents, statistical data, public regulations and legislation, which provide more detailed information.

All submissions received will be made publicly available and posted on the Independent Expert’s homepage at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights website. Should you not wish to have your response published on the website, please indicate so in your response.