A United Nations expert on human rights in Somalia has urged the Somali government to hasten its reform agenda and bolster protections for its citizens amidst persistent conflict and political ambiguity. This call to action follows the conclusion of Isha Dyfan’s fourth official visit to the country, as reported by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Dyfan, who serves as the UN’s independent expert on the human rights situation in Somalia, has condemned the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, known for its violent attacks that endanger civilians, including children. The continuous threat from this group maintains a state of insecurity across the nation. Furthermore, Dyfan noted with concern the violent clashes between Somalia’s federal forces and regional factions, particularly in Jubaland state, which have led to deaths, displacements, and serious human rights violations, including the recruitment of children into armed groups.
The constitutional review process in Somalia, highlighted by Dyfan, requires inclusive participation from all key stakeholders. This includes political leaders, civil society organizations, minority groups, and women’s representatives to ensure the reforms are equitable and transparent. Dyfan stressed that the entrenched clan-based political system, prevalent in Somalia, could hamper efforts toward political inclusivity unless it is carefully managed. Her concerns are detailed here.
Delays in ratifying pivotal international human rights treaties, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and implementing national laws to combat sexual violence and other harmful practices remain significant issues. Although some progress has been made with regional laws addressing female genital mutilation (FGM) and disability rights, national legislation still awaits parliamentary approval.
In her concluding remarks, Dyfan called upon the Somali government to leverage the support from the United Nations and the African Union to drive constitutional reforms and strengthen legal protections for its citizens. She emphasized the critical need for adherence to the rule of law, fair and transparent legislation, and the construction of robust institutions to ensure human rights for all Somalis, addressing fragile security and humanitarian needs as outlined here.
Decades of instability have plagued Somalia since the collapse of its central government in 1991, with challenges stemming from militant activities by groups like Al-Shabaab, clan rivalry, and weak governance structures persisting despite international support for state-building and peace initiatives. Additionally, the country has been severely affected by climate change and natural disasters, notably a drought from 2021 to 2023, leading to a significant food crisis and humanitarian emergency, as detailed in this report.
Moreover, freedom of expression in Somalia remains compromised, with journalists and social media activists frequently facing threats, harassment, and arrests from both Al-Shabaab and security forces. This restrictive environment has led to significant self-censorship among media professionals, impairing the public’s access to critical information about the country’s security and political landscape. Reporters Without Borders ranks Somalia 136th out of 180 nations in its 2025 Press Freedom Index, underscoring the perilous conditions for journalists in the region.