“The protection and promotion of human rights is the responsibility of all states”

The Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia issued the following statement on the occasion of the 60th anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:


GENEVA -- The Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Dr. Shamsul Bari, appeals to the International Community to make a commitment to the cause of human rights protection in Somalia: “I would like to remind the international community that protection and promotion of human rights is the responsibility of all states.”

“In the difficult circumstances of Somalia, where human rights is a victim of endless and myriad violations in a daily basis – in the absence of an effective central government and in the context of ongoing armed conflicts for close to two decades, I appeal the international community to rethink and renew its commitment to human rights protection and to vow to do all it can to safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedom for an appropriate and effective human rights protection of all the Somali population.”

“The opportunity,” highlights Dr. Bari, “has arisen as result of the efforts towards justice, peace and reconciliation undertaken by a sizable section of the opposition forces and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG).”

“On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), my thoughts are with the hapless victims of human rights violations in Somalia, in particular the civilian population, women and children, refugees and IDPs, minorities who lack protection, human rights defenders, UN staff, humanitarian and aid workers and journalists among others,” said the Independent Expert.

For further details on the mandate of the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia and UN human rights information on Somalia, please visit the webpage:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/AfricaRegion/Pages/SOIndex.aspx