UN EXPERT ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN SOMALIA WELCOMES NEW SOMALI PARLIAMENT

2 September 2004


The United Nations Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia issued the following statement today:


The United Nations Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Dr Ghanim Alnajjar, welcomes the recent initiation of the transitional federal parliament for Somalia at the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference (SNRC) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Led by Kenya and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the new 275-member assembly is the result of complex two-year negotiations among Somalis.

Dr Alnajjar congratulates all Somalis for this achievement and commends the Government of Kenya, other IGAD countries, as well as the international supporters of the SNRC for their commitment to peace in Somalia.

The Independent Expert welcomes this long-awaited opportunity for reconciliation, development and progress for Somalis, and reminds all parties that peace cannot prevail without fundamental respect for human rights.