Statement by Dr. Shamsul Bari, Independent Expert on the Human Rights Situation in Somalia

8 July 2008


NAIROBI-- The Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, Dr. Shamsul Bari, on Tuesday condemned the killing of Mr. Osman Ali Ahmed, officer in charge of the UN Development Programme office in the Somali capital Mogadishu. The victim, a dedicated local UN staff member, was killed on Sunday by unknown people. The Independent Expert expressed his sincere condolences and solidarity with the family of the victim.

The Independent Expert deplored and strongly condemned the persistent threats, notably attacks and kidnappings, against civilians, aid workers, and UN staff in Somalia. He urged the Transitional Federal Government to protect the Somali population and to investigate expediously and impartially these violations and bring those responsible to justice.