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10 July 2000
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10 July 2000
The Independent Expert on Human Rights in Somalia of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Mona Rishmawi, said today that she is heartened by reports that the Somali Peace Conference currently under way in Djibouti is moving steadily towards establishing reconciliation in Somalia.
But the Independent Expert expressed concerns at reports of harsh measures that have been taken against individuals who support the peace process or would like to participate in it in some regions. About 25 individuals from north-east Somalia, known as Puntland, who wished to travel to Djibouti through north-west Somalia, known as Somaliland, were reportedly first arrested in Somaliland and then forcibly returned to Puntland. When a Somaliland colonel objected to this measure, he was allegedly immediately shot.
"This unusual cooperation between the two rival administrations of Puntland and Somaliland against the peace process causes much concern", the Independent Expert said. "There were reports earlier that demonstrations in favor of the peace process were violently dispersed in Puntland: one person was killed and nine injured on 29 March 2000. Some arrests were also reported. Supporting the peace process is also considered a treason in Somaliland punishable by death or life imprisonment".
Ms. Rishmawi called upon all faction leaders and heads of regional administrations to "respect the wish of the Somali people to bring an end to the hostilities in Somalia and to reestablish peace and harmony". She further calls upon them to halt all violations of the rights of those who support the process.
The peace process, which focuses on civil society groups rather than on faction leaders, was initiated last September by President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti. The peace conference started with a civil society technical symposium on 21 March in Djibouti and is scheduled to end on 15 July. "The hope is that it will lead to creating structures that will rejuvenate the State of Somalia so that the Somali people can live in peace and harmony and that Somalia can rejoin the community of nations", Ms. Rishmawi said.
The ongoing discussions, which at this stage have resulted in a draft proposal for an interim administration, are led by clan leaders, elders and other elements of the civil society. More than 800 individuals, including about 100 women, representing various communities have been participating in this process. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is also attending as observer.
While wishing the Conference all the success, the Independent Expert said she wished to take this opportunity to call upon delegates to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to integrate within the peace process the need for respect of the rule of law and human rights in future Somalia. She also encouraged them to consider measures that would ensure that the victims of the current conflict receive justice.
The Independent Expert on Human Rights in Somalia of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Mona Rishmawi, said today that she is heartened by reports that the Somali Peace Conference currently under way in Djibouti is moving steadily towards establishing reconciliation in Somalia.
But the Independent Expert expressed concerns at reports of harsh measures that have been taken against individuals who support the peace process or would like to participate in it in some regions. About 25 individuals from north-east Somalia, known as Puntland, who wished to travel to Djibouti through north-west Somalia, known as Somaliland, were reportedly first arrested in Somaliland and then forcibly returned to Puntland. When a Somaliland colonel objected to this measure, he was allegedly immediately shot.
"This unusual cooperation between the two rival administrations of Puntland and Somaliland against the peace process causes much concern", the Independent Expert said. "There were reports earlier that demonstrations in favor of the peace process were violently dispersed in Puntland: one person was killed and nine injured on 29 March 2000. Some arrests were also reported. Supporting the peace process is also considered a treason in Somaliland punishable by death or life imprisonment".
Ms. Rishmawi called upon all faction leaders and heads of regional administrations to "respect the wish of the Somali people to bring an end to the hostilities in Somalia and to reestablish peace and harmony". She further calls upon them to halt all violations of the rights of those who support the process.
The peace process, which focuses on civil society groups rather than on faction leaders, was initiated last September by President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti. The peace conference started with a civil society technical symposium on 21 March in Djibouti and is scheduled to end on 15 July. "The hope is that it will lead to creating structures that will rejuvenate the State of Somalia so that the Somali people can live in peace and harmony and that Somalia can rejoin the community of nations", Ms. Rishmawi said.
The ongoing discussions, which at this stage have resulted in a draft proposal for an interim administration, are led by clan leaders, elders and other elements of the civil society. More than 800 individuals, including about 100 women, representing various communities have been participating in this process. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is also attending as observer.
While wishing the Conference all the success, the Independent Expert said she wished to take this opportunity to call upon delegates to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to integrate within the peace process the need for respect of the rule of law and human rights in future Somalia. She also encouraged them to consider measures that would ensure that the victims of the current conflict receive justice.