MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali Parliament’s Lower House on Saturday approved the establishment of a new government-run Human Rights Commission, presented by the Minister of Family Affairs, Khadiija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, amid loud commotion and heated disputes. The session was attended by only a small number of members of parliament.
The newly approved commission consists of nine members, all reportedly close advisers to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration. Several MPs openly voiced their concerns before the vote, questioning the transparency, fairness, and credibility of the selection process.
The move comes just days after the UN Human Rights Council ended the mandate of the Independent Expert on Human Rights in Somalia. Somali civil society groups have since raised alarm over the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
Observers warn that transferring human rights oversight solely to the Somali government could effectively end independent international reporting on abuses at a time when journalists continue to face harassment and attacks from both government forces and armed groups.
The Federal Government of Somalia has been repeatedly accused of widespread human rights violations and mismanagement of humanitarian aid, particularly in central regions and Jubbaland.
“Many women are dying from postpartum bleeding because the Federal Government has politicized and closed the Gedo airstrip,” said MP Duniyo, referring to the closure of the Doolow airport in the Gedo region, which has hindered the evacuation of critically ill civilians to Mogadishu for treatment.
Meanwhile, several MPs expressed concern over the government’s ongoing forced evictions in Mogadishu, which have displaced more than 100,000 families. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also faced allegations of land grabbing in connection with these evictions.
“The Human Rights Commission is approved. We support the government’s efforts to reclaim control over human rights,” said MP Amina Mohamed, defending the decision.
However, with these developments, many are questioning what the newly established Human Rights Commission will actually do to address or prevent ongoing violations.
Earlier this week, the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution transferring full human rights responsibilities back to the Somali government, effectively ending more than 34 years of international human rights monitoring that began in 1993.
Human rights advocates fear the new commission could be used by the Somali government to conceal abuses and suppress freedom of expression, rather than protect citizens’ rights.
