UNITED NATIONS RIGHTS EXPERT CALLS FOR RELEASE OF AID WORKER ABDUCTED IN SOMALIA

4 February 2004



The following statement was issued today by the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Ghanim Alnajjar:


“I am gravely concerned by the abduction in Somalia of United Nations staff member Rolf Helmrich on 29 January 2004. Such an action represents an infringement of the right to life, liberty and security of person as guaranteed under Article 3 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and must be condemned in the strongest terms. I call on the group responsible to release Mr. Helmrich immediately, in safety and without pre-conditions.

The international humanitarian aid community must be allowed to work towards the protection and promotion of all human rights in Somalia, and I appeal to all authorities and groups concerned to ensure secure conditions for these activities to continue. Especially at this moment when the Somali National Reconciliation Conference is moving forward, we must all work together to support efforts towards peace, stability and progress for the Somali people”.



* *** *