UN Independent Expert condemns the killing of UN staff in Somalia

22 October 2008

GENEVA -- The Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, Dr. Shamsul Bari, expressed his sadness and condemned the killing of two UN staff working in Somalia and the wounding of two others.

Dr. Bari 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 investigate expediously and impartially these violations and bring those responsible to justice. "I'm strongly convinced that any lasting peace in Somalia should be built upon justice and accountability" said the UN Independent Expert.

On Friday, 17th October, Abdinasir Muse Adan, Senior Programme Assistant of WFP, was shot and killed while leaving a mosque in Merca.

On Sunday, 19th October, Mukhtar Mohammed Hassan, Water Engineer with UNICEF, was shot and killed after leaving a mosque and going into Xudur town.

On 6 October, a UN rented vehicle was also hit by an explosion while traveling along the road from the Marka airstrip to Marka town. The driver was killed and two UN personnel, an Italian and a Somali national, riding in the vehicle were slightly wounded.

The Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia expressed his sincere condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims.

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 website:
http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/somalia