EXPERT SAYS RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IS KEY TO SECURING PEACE AND STABILITY IN SOMALIA

7 February 2005


NAIROBI - At the conclusion of a 13-day mission to Somalia and the region, the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Dr. Ghanim Alnajjar, urged the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to actively pursue the integration of international human rights norms and standards into the reconstruction of its executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Following the mission that took him and his colleagues to Hargeisa, Garowe, Bossaso and the tsunami-stricken peninsula of Hafun, Dr. Alnajjar noted that unless human rights become a cornerstone of the Transnational Federal Government's agenda, the long-term stability of the country cannot be guaranteed. He also stated, in agreement with Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, that it is imperative that the Government establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to redress the suffering of the millions of Somalis who lost either their relatives and/or livelihoods during the many years of conflict and to bring those responsible to justice. In addition, he noted with satisfaction the ongoing action by Somaliland non-governmental organizations against two former Somali officials accused of war crimes currently residing in the United States.

During the mission, Dr. Alnajjar met with members of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the international community including representatives of donor countries in an effort to investigate the prevailing human rights situation in Somalia. Among other key issues raised were women’s and children’s rights, prison conditions, the rule of law, the establishment of independent human rights commissions and the situation of internally displaced persons. Also discussed was the condition of Somalia’s coastline and coastal waters, which have been severely affected by illegal fishing carried out by foreign vessels, and more recently, in certain areas, by the Indian Ocean tsunami.


A separate issue brought to the attention of the human rights expert during the course of his visit was the existence and continued detainment of prisoners of war in both Puntland and Somaliland as a result of the Sool/Sanag conflict. Dr. Alnajjar called for the immediate release and repatriation of all prisoners of war still being held, and is encouraged by initial indications that this matter is being resolved through bilateral talks.

A highlight of the mission was the release of seventeen-year old Zamzam Ahmed Dualeh from Puntland, who was arrested in Somaliland in August 2004 and sentenced to five years imprisonment in December 2004 for alleged espionage and purportedly lying about her name, identity and clan. Dr. Alnajjar was pleased to be able to accompany Ms. Dualeh to her home region and considers her release a welcome step by the Somaliland authorities. Dr. Alnajjar continues to offer his support to Ms. Dualeh should she wish to pursue any legal action relating to
her imprisonment.

(In the press release, Somaliland refers to the self-declared, but unrecognized Republic of Somaliland in the northwest, Puntland refers to the self-declared Federal State of Puntland in the northeast.)