Somalia Review - 52nd session of Universal Periodic Review

Distinguished colleagues, good morning.
I declare open the 9th meeting of the 56th session of the UPR working group.
We will now proceed with the review of Somalia.
Before beginning, I'd like to recall you that all delegations should present their oral declarations on the online systems to inscribe themselves on the list of speakers before the beginning of the review.
In line with resolution five Stroke one of the Human Rights Council.
This Council will be based on a national report prepared by the state under review, in this case, Somalia and the compilation of information of the UN and summary of information provided by interested stakeholders, both documents prepared by OHCHR.
I have the honor now give the floor to Her Excellency, miss Ajulia Oi, Mr.
Minister of Development and Human Rights, to present the national report.
You have the floor.
Mr.
Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
It's an honor to present Somalia 4th cycle Universal periodic Preview, the report on behalf of Federal Government of Somalia.
This report was prepared through our national mechanism for reporting and follow up, led by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development.
We gathered input from the federal ministries, Parliament, federal member states, civil society, women's groups, and Organization of Persons with Disabilities.
Since the last review, Somaliia has made a real progress, in reporting on all bending treaty body report and engaging with the special prestigious thematic mandate holders.
Work on ratifying the convention of the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the Mabuto protocol continue 2024 and 2025 and remains a priority for 2026.
In October 2025, the House of the People adopted the certification bill for the African Charter of the Rights and welfare of the Child, which was signed into the law by the President and we deposed African Union.
On legal reform in March 2024, we signed into the amendment to the first four chapter of the provisional Federal Commission Constitutions reforming the Bill of Rights.
The cabinet approved a Penal Code amendment bill and submitted a Criminal Procedure Code amendment bill.
Parliament passed the disability Law, the National Election Law, and Auditor General Law, and the National Electoral Commission Law, among other reforms.
In 2025, Somalia established it is the first ever National Independent Human Rights Commission under the law number 16 of 2016, nine commissioners were appointed by the presidential degree in December 2025.
This is a historic step for our country.
On women participation in November 2024, Somalia adopted election law that sets a minimum 30% quota for women across all levels of the government.
Women parliamentary group have been strengthening and work continue to develop our second generation NAP on women, peace and security.
Three of the nine commissioners on the New Human Rights Commission are women.
On women rights, the government continued to carry out the national gender policy and the national plan on ending sexual violence in conflict.
The government has given priority to the rape and indecency offenses bill and approved the bill against the female genital mutilation, the anti FGM bill in November 2025.
Services for survivors have grown through one stop center, safe spaces and the mobile clinic across the federal member States and Benada region.
On disability rights, law number 29 of 2024 puts the CRBD into practices.
The National Disability Agency has been strengthening and Somalia published it.
It is the first ever national disability report in 2024.
On children's rights, the government re approved the child rights bill in December 2025.
The Senate approved the JuvinileJustice Bill.
Digital registration by LTS have registered more than 43,000 children.
The National Child Helpline 116 has been operational since December 2025, providing direct support to children in need, and the Somalia National Army Somalia Police Force have been removed from the Secretary-General 2025 list of recruitment, use and use of children.
On economic, social, and cultural right, social protection has grown through the ongoing national programs.
Health safe services have been reached more people and access to primary care has improved.
In education, public sending has gone up and more children are in school, including girls.
Mr.
Vice President, we do not hide the challenges.
Poverty, food insecurity, displacement, and climate shocks continue to affect millions of Somalians.
There are gaps in our justice system in detention safeguard, in access to water and housing in services for persons with disabilities, in women representation and in civic spaces.
The threat from the terrorists remains.
Our response combines military and law enforcement with the provision.
And we are working to strengthen human rights safeguard in this response.
Somalia does not claim to have resolved all these challenges, but direction is clear.
We welcome this dialogue, and we look forward to your recommendation.
We also ask for continued international support, including meaningful support to the realization of the new signed host country Agreement between the Office of the High Commissioner and the Federal Republic of Somalia to make a Human Rights Commission full operation and continue building the capacity of our national institutions.
Thank you.
I would like to thank Her Excellency for this statement.
We shall now begin with our interactive dialogue.
Before giving the floor to delegations for their questions and comments, I would like to remind you that the speaking time will be 1 minute and 10 seconds for all.
I wish to reiterate that issues of a political, bilateral, and territorial nature should be kept out of our deliberations.
Moreover, United Nations terminology should be used when referring to states and territories.
Please be reminded that only the use of the words recommended or recommendation will ensure that the relevant parts of your statements are included in the recommendations section of the working group report.
Also, allow me to recall that the Human Rights Council strongly rejects any act of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.
We'll now begin with a list of speakers.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Ethiopia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ethiopia warmly welcome the high level delegation of Somalia and thanks it for the presentation of its national reports.
We commend Somalia for its continued efforts to strengthen state institution and advance human rights.
We particularly note progress in the areas of governance reforms, constitutional development, and efforts to expand access to basic social services.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Etopa offers the following recommendations.
One, continue strengthening efforts to enhance access to quality education and healthcare services.
Two, continue intensifying measures to promote poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
Three, continue efforts to promote peace, security, and durable sustainability as a foundation for sustainable development, Iclosing, Ethiopia wishes Somalia every success in this review process.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Estonia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Estonia welcomes the delegation of Somalia to its fourth UPR.
We commend Somalia's ongoing work to improve the human rights situation, including legislation protecting persons with disabilities, strengthening workers' rights, and reinforcing institutions despite a challenging security environment.
We particularly welcome the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and Somalia's engagement with International Human Rights mechanisms.
Estonia recommends to Somalia to one, amend the media law from 2021 and remove and clarify provisions that could be used to curtail the rights to freedom of expression and media freedom in Somalia.
Two, enact laws that criminalize all forms of female genital mutilation and three, ratify the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the child on the involvement on children in armed conflict.
We wish Somalia successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished Representative of France.
The representative is not here.
I give the floor to Distinguished Representative of Gabon.
Thank you very much, President Gabon.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Delegation of Somalia and thank the Delegation presentation of the report.
We praise the full cooperation of Somalia with mechanisms of the Council and UN bodies working on human rights.
In this respect, we congratulate Somalia on the strengthening its cooperation with treaty bodies.
Through the submission of initial reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child Convention Against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
We take note with satisfaction the creation of a National Independent Human Rights Commission and we encourage the country to continue this work and recommend Somalia the following.
First, continue its fight against the sexual exploitation of children and two, fully implement the national law to combat FGM.
Finally, delegation of Gabel would like to wish Somalia full success during this review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Gambia.
Well, it seems that the delegation is not in the room.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Georgia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Georgia warmly welcomes and thanks to delegation of Somalia for the presentation of the national Report.
My delegation is encouraged by ongoing preparatory actions related to the ratification of outstanding international legal instruments, and we are hopeful that it will be completed in a reasonable time frame.
My delegation positively assesses the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and urge Somalia to take further steps towards its full operability.
With this in mind, Georgia recommends that the government of Somalia, first, to continue efforts to guarantee access to education for all children and second, to strengthen efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
We wish the delegation of Somalia successful review, I think.
Thank you again, look forward to distinguished representative of Germany.
Thank you, as President.
Germany welcomes the delegation of Somalia and notes with appreciation that several of our previous UPR recommendations have been supported while noting ongoing challenges in their implementation.
Germany commends Somalia's government for the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission last year.
We remain concerned about issues across different areas, including persistent violence against women and girls as well as journalists and human rights defenders.
Germany therefore recommends two, one, swiftly ratify CETA and harmonize national laws respectively.
Two, ratify the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the involvement on Children armed conflict.
Three, undertake awareness raising campaigns on the negative consequences of child marriage.
Four, swiftly implement a moratorium on the use of the death penalty and ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR.
F, take measures to better protect journalists and media workers to safeguard freedom of expression and an independent press.
We wish Somalia a very successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Ghana.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ghana warmly welcomes the delegation of Somalia to the full cycle of the UPR and thanks them for their presentation.
We commend Somalia for steps taken to address emerging human rights issues, including the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in December 2025.
We recognize Somalia's establishment of a national policy framework to advance the progressive realization of the rights to safe drinking water and sanitation through the water sanitation and hygiene sector policy and the water resources strategy.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Ghana recommends to Somalia to one, ratify the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, two, ratify the optional protocol to the Convention Against Torture, and three, adopt a national poverty reduction strategy with strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of humanitarian assistance, Ghana wishes Somalia success in this UPR process.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Haiti.
Delegation is not in the room.
I now give the floor to Distinguished Delegation of Honduras.
Honduras does not seem to be in the room.
I give the floor to distinguished ambassador of Iceland.
It seems that they're also not in the room.
I give the floor to distinguished delegation of India.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
India welcomes the delegation of Somalia and thanks the delegation for its presentation.
We appreciate legislative measures undertaken by Somalia towards protecting human rights during the reporting period.
We particularly note and laud the efforts of establishing counterterrorism framework, which goes a long way in protecting the victims of terrorism.
Besides 30% court of woman in political and public life and establishment of national disability agency are laudable steps.
In the spirit of constructive cooperation, India makes the following recommendations to Somalia.
One, continue its efforts in establishment of a constitutional court, two, speed up its effort to ratify key human rights treaties.
Three, consider taking further steps to realize economic and social rights of its citizens.
We wish the delegation of Somalia all the success in its review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished Delegation of Indonesia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Indonesia welcomes the engagement of Somalia to the UPR and appreciate it forward to advance human rights, including through the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission.
We particularly commend Somalia's effort to strengthen its institutions and improve security while ensuring respect for international law with continued support from international and regional partners.
This period, we offer Somalia the following recommendations.
One, continue strengthening the National Independent Human Rights Commission to effectively promote and protect human rights throughout the country.
Two, further strengthen the capacity of national security forces to ensure full compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law, particularly in operation to counter violent extremisms and terrorism.
Three, consider ratifying the CDO and CMW to further strengthen the National Human Rights Framework.
Finally, we wish Somalia successful for its review and thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished Delegation of Islamic Republic of Iran.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the delegation of Somalia and takes note of its progress in establishing National Independent Human Rights Commission in December 2025, expanding the Boxsano Social Safety Net Program to 500,000 households launching the National Plan of Action for Children, enacting La number 29 of 2024 on the rights of persons with disabilities and advancing National Solution Action Plan for the internally displaced persons.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we offer the following recommendations.
One, accelerate the implementation of National Solution Pathway Plan to support the US solution for 1 million IDPs in Bangladeid Bay and Portland.
Two, strengthen watch policy through Bhol rehabilitation and multi use water systems on the Barvovo project to reduce sanitation gaps in rural and drought prone areas.
Three, intensify teacher recruitment under education sector strategy plan to meet the target of recruiting an additional 4,000 teachers.
We wish Somalia a successful review.
Thank you.
Raf Thank you.
I get the floor to distinguished delegation of Iraq.
Thank you very much, President, and delegation of my country, I would like to extend a warm welcome to delegation of Somalia, a sister country to this Four EPR cycle, we praise the efforts taken by the country to prepare the report.
In a constructive spirit, we recommend the following.
First, step up efforts with a view of improving the levels of school enrollment, strengthening relevant infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
Two, combat discrimination against children with disabilities, migrant children, and all of those children that do not have families and also children from minority tribes.
In conclusion, we would like to wish Somalia full success.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Ireland.
Mr.
President, Ireland thanks the delegation of Somalia for its presentation today.
Ireland welcomes Somalia's efforts to advance human rights domestically.
We know the progress made on key women's rights and gender based violence legislation such as the anti national anti FGM bill.
However, Ireland remains concerned that civilians are still subjected to serious human rights violations and abuses.
Women and girls continue to experience conflict related sexual violence and other forms of gender based violence within a culture of impunity and stigmatization.
Also regret the continuing use of restrictive legal frameworks, intimidation and violence by security forces against journalists, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders.
Ireland recommends that Somalia, one, ratify CEDA and the Maputu protocol as a matter of urgency and harmonize national laws with these instruments to strengthen protection for women and girls.
Two, investigate and prosecute the killing, harassment, and torture of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors and repeal or amend restrictive legislation which may be used to restrict independent media and freedom of expression.
We wish Somalia every success in the UPR cycle.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I get the floor to distinguished ambassador of Italy.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We thank the distinguished delegation of Somalia.
Italy acknowledges the steps taken to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, including the establishment of the National Disability Agency and encourage you to fully implement the CRPD.
Italy offers Somalia the following recommendations, introduce a moratorium on capital executions, and consider ratifying the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on civil and political rights.
Adopt measures to prevent and combat all forms of recruitment and use of child soldiers, ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration, and establish an effective child justice system, ratify CETA and take immediate measures to eliminate all forms of sexual and gender based violence and discrimination against women and girls, including by criminalizing them and holding perpetrators accountable.
We wish Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Japan.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Japan warmly welcomes the delegation of Somalia to this session.
Japan welcomes the significant legislative steps taken by Somalia to promote the rights of persons with disabilities through the new National Disability Law.
In a spirit of constructive dialogue, Japan recommends that Somalia, one, continue ongoing efforts to implement a national legal framework to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other essential services.
Two, strengthen efforts to effectively protect the rights of the child, in particular, by preventing and eradicating the recruitment and use of child soldiers, including through ratification of the optional protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and three, effectively safeguard freedom of expression and the independence of the media by protecting media workers from threats and harassment.
We wish the delegation of Somalia every success in the review.
I thank you.
Good.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Jordan.
Mr.
Vice President, we would like to welcome the delegation of the friendly delegation of Somalia.
We fully support its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We also value the efforts made to enhance human rights.
In a constructive spirit, we recommend the following.
One, to continue developing legislations and policies to protect women and children in accordance with international commitments.
To enhance measures, to expand access to education, health care, and basic services, especially vulnerable groups and those affected by conflict and natural disasters.
In conclusion, we wish Somal all success, and we highly value the efforts of the permanent representative of Somal in Geneva and her team.
They are extremely professional in their role to enhance multilateralism.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Kenya.
Kenya warmly welcomes the Somalian delegation.
We note the comprehensive national report which reflects the significant strides made since the third cycle.
In a spirit of constructive dialogue, Kenya recommends, one, to sustain the commendable efforts to expand access to education, including by improving inclusion and retention, particularly for vulnerable groups.
To, to sustain efforts to improve the health system, including by expanding access to essential health services.
We wish the delegation of Somalia a most successful review session.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Ka.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We welcome the chair of the delegation of Somalia and her team.
We commend the efforts made by the government as in the National report, especially the establishment of a National Independent Committee for Human Rights.
In a constructive spirit, we recommend one to pursue efforts to enhance the sector of education, especially providing quality education to all categories of the population to pursue the enhancement of essential health services and to build on the national programs in the context of healthcare.
We wish the Republic of Somalia all success.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Now I'd like to recognize the distinguished delegation of Latvia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Latvia welcomes the delegation of Somalia to the EPR working group and thanks it for presenting the National Report.
We welcome the legal and institutional reforms undertaken by the government of Somalia since the third review, notably the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission.
We would like to make the following recommendations.
One, to take all necessary measures to combat violence against children and early and forced marriage, as well as the use of child soldiers.
Two, to consider ratifying the second optional protocol to the ICCPR.
Three, to consider ratifying the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Four, to accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Latvia wishes the delegation of Somalia success in the review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Now I'd like to recognize the distinguished representative of Lebanon.
Thank you, Vice President.
We would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and thank them for the presentation of their national reports.
We appreciate the efforts made by Somalia to implement the recommendations.
It accepted during the previous review cycle, despite the significant humanitarian and security challenges faced by the country.
We appreciate measures taken to combat sexual violence, including efforts to strengthen the investigative capacities of the forensic laboratories and the welcoming centers for survivors, as well as training programs for law enforcement agents.
Constructively, we recommend, one, consider the ratification of the core international human rights instruments to which Somalia is not yet a party.
Two, continue efforts to strengthen national legislation regarding combating torture and its criminalization.
And then pursue efforts to combat corruption and strengthen the independence of the justice system.
We wish Somalia every success.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Lesto is recognized.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Kingdom of Lesto welcome the delegation of Somalia and commends it for the comprehensive report.
We commend Somalia for its efforts to strengthen protection against gender based violence, including initiatives to establish forensic laboratories and one stop centers for survivors, as well as training security personnel to investigate such cases.
In the spirit of constructive engagements, Lesto makes the following recommendations.
First, Somalia should expedite the establishment of an independent National Human Rights Commission and judicial bodies to strengthen the rule of law and accountability.
Secondly, it should address arbitrary arrests and violence against journalists and human rights advocates to enhance the protection of fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression.
Lastly, through legislative reform and enforcement actions, Somalia should step up its efforts to stop harmful traditions, including child marriage and female genital mutilation.
The Kingdom of Lu wishes Somalia a successful review, I thank you.
Thank you.
Recognize the distinguished delegation of Malawi.
Mr.
Vice President, Malawi warmly welcome the Federal Republic of Somalia to this review and thanks the esteemed delegation for the presentation.
Malawi notes the progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights since the last review and commends Somalia for the continued efforts in the implementation of its international human rights obligations as reflected in the Ninth National Development Plan, NDP 92020, 2024.
We further commend Somalia for the enhanced cooperation with the UN and partners aimed at building human rights capacity through joint programs, institutional support, and nationwide outreach.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Maya makes the following recommendations to Somalia.
One, consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of all persons from enforced disappearance.
Two, work on adopting a comprehensive registration prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities.
Three, continue strengthening its engagement with the UN treaty bodies.
We wish the Federal Republic of Somalia all the best of this review.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Malaysia is recognized.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Malasia thanks Somalia for the presentation of its national report.
We commend Somalia for undertaking numerous initiatives to promote and protect human rights since the last UPR cycle.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, Maliia recommends the following.
First, strengthen efforts to ensure access to quality health care for all, including by addressing financial, geographic, and social barriers and improving healthcare infrastructure and workforce capacity.
Second, continue to make efforts to realize the right to education for all particularly in rural and conflict affected areas.
Third, enhance efforts to provide victims of violence, including sexual and gender based violence with comprehensive support services, including medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance and ensure access to justice and effective remedies.
Fourth, strengthen measures to protect children from violence, exploitation, and recruitment by armed groups and ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration.
We wish Somalia a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Maldives is recognized.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Maldives warmly welcomes the high level delegation from Somalia to this fourth cycle review and thanks them for their presentation today.
We commend Somalia for its efforts to strengthen its human rights framework, including the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in 2025.
The Maldives recognizes the many challenges faced by Somalia as a result of decades of conflict and its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
We call upon the international community to recognize these challenges and to engage constructively with and support Somalia in advancing its national priorities.
In a constructive spirit, the Maldives presents the following recommendations to Somalia.
One, strengthen efforts to eliminate harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation and ensure full legal protection of children.
Two, promote quality education, including by ensuring the availability of qualified teachers and the provision of safe and fully accessible infrastructure.
Three, establish and support alternative care systems for orphaned children and provide such children with free education, food, clean water, and other essential services.
The modest wishes Somalia every success in its review.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
Now the distinguished representative of Mali is recognized.
Thank you, Vice President.
Mali warmly welcomes the delegation of Somalia.
My delegation commends Somalia's cooperation with treaty bodies through the presentation of several initial reports under various conventions.
My delegation appreciates Somalia's adoption of various laws that have contributed to the creation of an updated legal framework adapted to governance, security, and regulatory needs.
We also welcome strengthening of water infrastructure and the improvement of climate resilience through the rehabilitation of wells, hydro meteorological monitoring, and the adoption of flood protection measures.
Constructively, we recommend that Somalia adopt the Juvenile Justice Bill in line with the Convention of the Rights of the Child and establish a specialized child justice system with adequate resources and composed of specialized and properly trained judges.
Two, Improve the quality of education, including by ensuring that teachers are qualified and that there are women among them and schools are fully accessible.
Thank you.
The ambassador of Malta is recognized.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Malta welcomes the delegation of Somalia and thanks them for the National Report.
For several decades, Somalia has traced the challenging human rights situation as a result of protracted conflict, insecurity, and political instability.
Malta remains seriously concerned about the impact of these circumstances on the enjoyment of human rights by persons in Somalia.
Despite the federal government's actions, female genital mutilation and sexual and gender based violence remain prevalent.
We would like to make the following recommendations.
One, abolish the death penalty at all circumstances.
Two, ae to the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the International Convention for the Protection of all persons from enforced disappearance.
Three, take immediate measures to ensure to end and prevent the recruitment of use of children by parties to conflict and hold perpetrators accountable.
Four, adopt the proposed bill banning female genital mutilation as soon as possible and ensure its effective implementation across Somalia.
Malta wishes Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Mauritania is recognized.
Mauritania.
Vice President, we would like to welcome the delegation of Mauritania and we appreciate their constructive engagement in this UPR.
We welcome the progress made In strengthening the legal and institutional framework, including the establishment of the International Human Rights Commission legislative reforms, such as the protection of children and persons with disabilities, we recommend one, to pursue efforts with a view to the ratification of international human rights instruments that have not yet been ratified by the country, to adapt national legislation to international standards.
To, to step up efforts in order to establish the main legal and constitutional bodies, including the constitutional court, with a view to ensuring the rule of law and institutional accountability.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Now we will have a video statement of Mauritius.
Thank you, Chair.
Mauritius extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Somalia during this whole cycle of the UPR.
We take this opportunity to congratulate Somalia on its commitment to adhere to key human rights instruments and its engagement with the various mechanisms of the United Nations.
We welcome the establishment of Somalia's National Human Rights Commission.
In a constructive spirit, malicious recommends that Somalia continues its efforts to adhere to human rights instruments and adopts appropriate laws to prohibit marriage under the age of 18 for both boys and girls.
We wish Somalia a very successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
And next, we have the distinguished representative of Mexico.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We would like to thank Somalia for the presentation of their report, and we acknowledge the approval of the law banning discrimination on the grounds of disability and the law on juvenile justice.
Constructively and respectfully, Mexico recommends, one, to ratify the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all migrant workers.
Two, to criminalize child marriage female genital mutilation and all forms of gender violence.
Three, to create and maintain, both in law and in practice, an enabling and safe environment for journalists and human rights defenders.
We wish Somalia a successful review cycle.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Montenegro has the floor.
Mr.
Vice President, Montenegro welcomes the delegation of Somalia and its constructive engagement with the UPR mechanism.
Montenegro shares concerns about the highly complex human rights situation and the systemic challenges facing the citizens of Somalia, including poverty, climate conditions, political instability, armed conflict, and displacement.
Montenegro encourages the authorities to strengthen cooperation with UHCHR and international partners with the aim of building resilient institutions, reinforcing the rule of law, and ensuring the protection of civilians.
The level of violence faced by women and girls and the high prevalence of FGM and the abuse of children, including in armed conflicts remain matters of our particular concern.
We took positive note and adopt a timeline for accession to the optional protocol to the CRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
Montenegro recommends the following.
One, to accelerate the accession process to both 1945 and 1961 conventions on statelessness and take all steps necessary for their implementation.
To, to introduce a moratorium on application of the death penalty.
We wish Somalia a successful UPR and Thank you.
Good.
Thank you.
Now, the distinguished delegation of Morocco has the floor.
Mr.
President, my delegation would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and thanks them for presenting their national report.
My delegation particularly welcomes the systematic implementation process for all adopted UPR recommendations.
Morocco would like to commend the institutional milestone in 2025 with the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission.
Aware of all efforts already made, and in a constructive spirit, Morocco would like to make the following two recommendations.
One, ratifying the Convention for the Protection of all persons from enforced disappearance, Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, and the Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their family.
Two, allocate adequate resources to accelerate the expansion of birth registration systems to increase demand and coverage, particularly in hard to reach areas.
We wish the delegation of Somalia full success in this UPR.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
The Distinguished Reentative of Abnabh the floor.
Mr.
President, Namibia welcomes the delegations of Somalia and thanks it for defending its national report.
We commend Somalia for recent alignment of its criminal justice system to international standards.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we recommend the ratification of the following instrument.
Covenant on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, optional protocol on involvement of children in armed conflict, and covenant on civil and political rights.
Namibia wishes the delegation of Somalia a productive review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The Distinguished representative of Nepal has the floor.
Mr.
Vice President, Nepal welcomes the delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the fourth cycle of UPR and thank them for the presentation of National Report.
We appreciate Somalia for its constructive engagement in the international human rights mechanisms and its efforts to implement the recommendations of the last UPR.
Nepal commences the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission NIHRC in 2025 and wishes success in its full operationalization.
We take good note of the progress made by Somalia towards reducing poverty and improving living standards of its people.
In a constructive, Nepal recommends Somalia the following.
One, strengthen measures to ensure equality and non discrimination in both public and private spheres.
Two, scale up efforts to ensure universal access to quality education for all, particularly for girls and rural children.
Three, strengthen measures to increase employment opportunities and creation of decent jobs.
We wish Somalia all success in its review.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
The representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the delegation of Somalia for the presentation of its national report.
The Netherlands commends the Somali government for establishing the National Independent Human Rights Commission.
The Netherlands, however, notes with Somali civil society that without a credible, open, and participatory appointment process, the NIHRC may undermine the principles it was created to uphold.
In the spirit of constructive cooperation, the Netherlands recommends for Somalia, first, to take concrete and sustained action to uphold freedom of expression and guarantee the safety of journalists and media workers operating across the country.
And second, to address the pervasive and deeply alarming levels of sexual violence against women and girls across Somalia.
The Netherlands wishes Somalia success with a follow up of all recommendations it receives during this UPR cycle.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
The Distinguished Representative of New Zealand is recognized.
Mr.
Vice President, we warmly welcome the delegation from Somalia.
We commend the progress made by Somalia over recent years, including on the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and efforts to address the rights of vulnerable groups, for example, through the introduction of the National Disability Act 2024.
We remain concerned by ongoing human rights abuses.
New Zealand recommends that Somalia, one, institute a moratorium on executions and move towards the abolition of the death penalty.
Two, ratify the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Three, develop comprehensive federal gender based violence legislation that criminalizes all forms of gender based violence, including marital rape.
Four, conduct effective and impartial investigations into allegations of threats or violence against journalists, media workers, and human rights defenders, including online.
We thank the delegation for their participation today and wish them a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Nigeria is recognized.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Nigeria warmly welcomes the delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia to its fourth DPR.
Nigeria appreciates Somalia's efforts to strengthen national institutions and promote human rights despite its current challenges.
In this connection, Nigeria takes positive note of key initiatives and improvements, including the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, the National Plan of Action for Children, and the enactment of the National Disability Law.
Cognizant of these laudable strides, Niger wishes to recommend that Somalia one, consider ratifying the ICRMW and the CETA to continue to strengthen the operational capacity and independence of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in line with the Paris principles.
Three, continue to mobilize and strengthen technical and financial support to enhance its capacity to fulfill its human rights obligations.
Finally, Nigeria wishes Somalia every success in its review.
Thank you President.
Thank you.
We will now Break from the list of speakers and give the floor to the delegation to address the observations and comments that have been made so far.
The delegation has the floor.
Mr.
Vice President, excellence, Distinguished delegates, I thank you.
Allow me to provide a brief overview of the Somalia's Fall Cycle National Report and the implementation architecture.
That underpinnings it.
The report was prepared through the National mechanism for Report and follow up under which the Minister of F Human Rights served as the lead institution and national focal point.
In that role, the ministry chaired the interministerial Human task force and coordinate submission from federal ministers, agencies, national independent commissions, the Judiciary, parliament, federal member states, and other designate members.
The process also included stakeholder consultation with civil society organizations with rights groups, organizations of persons with Dabetes, professional association and academia.
From a technical perspective, Somalia's report reflects these three core messages.
The first is that Somalia strengthened the national framework for implementation and follow up.
Cabinet approved the NMR policy in 2024, established a more structured and interminiterial mechanism for human rights report, and follow up.
Chaired by the Ministry of Amin and Human Rights.
This is important because the UBR is no longer being approached as an isolated reporting exercise, but as a part of a wider national system that links UBR follow up, treaty body engagements, special procedures, and SDGs implementation.
The second is that the reporting period has been a concrete institutional and legislative movement.
Summary has advanced treat engagement, constitutional reform, criminal law reform, disability legislation, electoral legislation and establishment of national disability agents and the National Human Rights Commission.
These are the concrete institutional change that now require a continued implementation, support, and monitoring.
The third is that Somali has sought to conduct a legal reform to practical delivery and inclusion.
This can be seen in the implementation of the National Plan for Children, the expansion of social protection through ongoing national programs, the growth of health and education system, disability inclusion measures, women's participation mechanisms, and efforts to strengthen access to justice and support for victims.
At the same time, Somali acknowledges that implementation is uneven and that the challenges remain in a context shaped by insecurity, displacement, humanitarian pressure, and climate shocks.
In technical terms, Somalia's priority going forward is to consolidate gains and strengthen the implementation capacity.
This includes Orsi National Independent Human Rights Commission, strengthened Ministry of Fil human Rights and other agencies, and its counterpart as the national policy Lead for Human Rights coordination and finalizing the NRFs digitalization as a permanent recommendation tracking and reporting platform.
So Maria therefore welcomes focused recommendations that support implementation, sequencing, and institutional sustainability.
I thank you.
I now invite Mr.
Mohamed Dishhe a senior Human Rights advisor from the Minister of Family Human Rights to raise the cross cutting issues related to the treat engagement, legal and institutional reform and implementation follow up.
Covert.
Thank you.
Mr.
President, Excellency's, distinguished delegates, allow me to address the cross cutting dimensions of Somalia's implementation record, particularly treaty engagement, legal and institutional reform, and National Flow of architecture.
Somalia has continued to strengthen its engagement within the international and regional human rights system.
During the reporting period, the government submitted initial reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention Against Torture, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Somalia also submitted its initial report under the International Covenant on Economic, social and cultural rights and completed preparations for its initial report under the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
At the regional level, the House of the People adopted the ratification bill for the African Charter on the rights and welfare of the child in October 2025 and has been deposited with the African Union.
While the ratification process for CEA and the Maputo protocol progressed 2024-2025 and still remain prioritized in 2026.
Somalia also made substantial progress in its constitutional legislative and institutional reform.
The recently adopted and amended a provisional federal constitution reaffirms the Bill of Rights.
During the same period, Somalia advanced criminal law reform through cabinet approval of the Penal Code amendment bill and submission of its Criminal Procedure Code Amendment bill, enacted the national disability law, adopted the national elections package, including the 30% women's quota, and approved additional governance and accountability legislation, These reforms reflect a deliberate effort to align national law and institutions more closely with the constitutional and international human rights obligations.
Further major institutional milestone was the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in 2025 in accordance with the La number 16627 June 2016.
In parallel, national coordination on reporting and follow up was strengthened through cabinet approval of the National Mechanism for Reporting and follow up Policy in 2024.
Establishing an inter ministerial task force chaired by the Ministry of Family and Human rights Development.
This has helped Somalia move from fragmented reporting towards a more integrated system linking the UPR, follow up treaty body engagement, special procedures, and broader implementation monitoring.
At the same time, Somalia recognized that implementation remains a phased process.
Some reforms have been enacted, others are pending finalization, and others require operationalization and capacity support.
Our approach is therefore to be precise to distinguish between what has already been completed and what is underway and what still requires additional and national effort as well as international partnership.
I thank you.
I now invite Mr.
Kamal Muhammad, senior criminal justice advisor at the Office of the Attorney General, to address issues related to justice, due process, detention, the rule of law, and civic space.
Thank you.
Mr.
Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
Somalia recognizes that justice sector reform remains central to the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly in relation to detention, fair trial, accountability, and civic space.
During the reporting period, Somalia launched its first national justice sector strategy and continued to strengthen justice and corrections reform through joint programs with national and international partners.
Legal aid and alternative dispute resolution systems expanded.
Detention infrastructure was upgraded and training for police, custodial officers, prosecutors, and other justice actors continued on human rights, sexual and gender based violence, child protection and reintegration.
These efforts are intended to improve both access to justice and institutional compliance with human rights standards.
Somalia has also continued efforts to strengthen accountability and the rule of law.
Investigations and prosecutions have been undertaken in cases involving unlawful killing, including cases involving security personnel, and the government continues to work with partners and improve data collection, reporting, and accountability concerning civilian harm and conflict conflict related casualties.
Simultaneously, Somalia openly acknowledged the significant challenges that persist.
The OCR compilation documents, ongoing concerns from treaty bodies regarding issues such as torture, detention conditions, legal safeguards, military jurisdiction over civilians, and necessity for independent oversight of detention facilities.
Stakeholder submissions further highlight issues related to overcrowding, insufficient food, water, and medical care, lack of detainee segregation, as well as ongoing allegations of arbitrary detention and restricted access to legal counsel.
Somalia does not dismiss these concerns.
These issues precisely underpin the continued prioritization of detention oversight, the expansion of legal aid, and reform of criminal law.
Regarding freedom of expression and civic space, Somalia reaffirms the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including access to information are protected under the provisional Constitution of the Federal Federal Republic of Somalia.
The government has reviewed the 2024 report of the Office of the United Nations Hi Commissioner, High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia concerning media freedom and is carefully considering its recommendations to guide ongoing reforms relating to media regulation, criminal law, and the protection of civil journalists rather.
Somalia acknowledges that practical and institutional challenges persist and remains committed to strengthening legal safeguards, improving accountability mechanisms, and fostering a safe environment for journalists and human rights defenders.
In furtherance of this commitment, the Office of the Attorney General has adopted a victim centered and accountability based approach to addressing violations against journalists and restrictions on media freedom.
The office has established direct channels of engagement with journalists, their families, and relevant stakeholders to facilitate access to information, support investigations, and improve coordination in responding to incidents affecting media personnel.
A dedicated hotline has been established to enable our journalists and members of the public to confidentially report violations, threats, and crimes committed against journalists.
In parallel, the office continues to document past and ongoing abuses against journalists with a view to strengthening institutional awareness, supporting accountability processes, and informing future legal and policy reforms related to freedom of expression and media protection.
As part of these efforts, the Attorney General's office has appointed a criminal investigation department officer to lead and coordinate investigations concerning crimes against journalists.
The office has further engaged journalists associations.
In addition, the special prosecutor and the senior prosecutors received specialized training delivered in cooperation with UNESCO on freedom of information, freedom of expression, and international standards relating to media freedom and protection of journalists.
Somalia has continued to strengthen its anti money laundering and counter terrorist financing AMLCFT framework through institutional consolidation and improved operational outputs.
The Financial Reporting Center, Somalia's Financial Intelligence Unit, has expanded its analytical and coordination functions and has reported include increased receipt, analysis, and dissemination of suspicious transaction information in its FRC annual report 2023 and FRC annual 2024.
Significant steps have been taken in disrupting terrorist financing.
In parallel, Somalia has continued engagement with the FTF global network and mutual evaluation processes, including publication of Somalia's profile on the Fatf website, and ongoing follow up to address remaining technical compliance gaps.
Somalia has made measurable progress in strengthening its anti corruption framework through both international review and domestic strategy development.
Somalia has actively engaged with the implementation review mechanism of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, including completion of the first cycle review and publication of the first cycle documentation through the UCAT process, and Somalia is now progressing with its second cycle review through the UNODC UCAC country profile system.
The review process has helped identify and prioritize key gaps which the government is addressing as a governance and rule of law priority.
In addition, Somalia has continued to update and validate the national anti corruption strategy, including recent high level validation and approval processes that have been publicly reported as part of the country's broader governance reform agenda.
I thank you.
I now invite Anne Abnur senior legal advisor at the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development to address women's rights, political participation, and gender based violence.
Mr.
Vice President, Excellency, my focus is on women's rights, particularly participation, protection, and the broader effort to shift from policy commitments to real outcomes.
I want to start with a simple point.
In Somalia, we increasingly recognize that women's rights are not a standalone issue.
They are tied to how we build governance, sustain peace, and strengthen long term stability.
Over the past few years, we've made deliberate efforts to strengthen the legal and policy frameworks in this area.
One of the most important steps taken has been the adoption of the 2024 Electoral Law package, which formally establishes a minimum 30% quota for women's representation across political and governance structures.
This matters.
I also want to be honest with you about where we are.
A quota and paper does not automatically translate into representation in practice, and we've seen that.
The real focus is on implementation, how that quota is enforced, how political processes are actually accommodated, and how we ensure that changes to the electoral system don't unintentionally push women out of spaces, therefore hard to enter.
Alongside that, we continue to invest in women's leadership more broadly through parliamentary caucuses and through the ongoing implementation of our women and peace and security commitments.
On protection, particularly gender based violence and conflict related sexual violence, the picture is more difficult.
There has been some progress.
Survivor centered services have expanded, such as one stop centers, safe spaces and mobile services.
Access is in fact improving even if unevenly.
We are not going to pretend that the problem is solved.
It's not.
Violence against women and girls remain widespread and the gap between policy and lived reality is still significant.
That's why legislative reform remains a priority.
The rape and indecency offenses Bill, as well as a broader effort to strengthen legal frameworks and sexual violence are part of that process.
I'll be frank, this has taken much longer than we would have liked.
But the intention is not just to pass the legislation quickly, it's to ensure that what is passed is actually workable, something that can be implemented across different contextes and that genuinely improves access to justice for survivors.
On harmful practices, particularly female genital mutilation and cutting, this is one of the most complex issues that we face.
The government approved the national anti FGM bill in 2025, which is an important step, but we are also clear that legislation alone will not change this.
Progress here depends very much on the community engagement, on dialogue with religious leaders, and on shifting deeply rooted social norms, and that takes time.
It requires consistency.
On child and early marriages, our direction is also clear.
The aim is to ensure that 18 is the minimum age of marriage in line with our international obligations.
We recognize that our legal framework is not yet fully harmonized on this point, that it is part of a broader constitutional legislative reform process that is still ongoing.
Again, this is an area where policy direction is established, but the work of alignment and implementation is still in progress.
Across all of these issues, there is a common thread.
Somalia today is not short of policies, strategies, or draft laws.
The real challenge is in implementation and doing that in a context that is still very much shaped by insecurity, displacement, climate shocks, and very real capacity constraint.
That's not something that we're using to deflect responsibility, but it does explain why progress is sometimes uneven.
Focus now is on strengthening systems, making sure justice institutions can actually respond to the cases of gender based violence, expanding access to services in a way that reaches beyond major urban centers, ensuring that political reforms translate into meaningful participation for women, and continuing to align our legal framework with international standards.
Importantly, moving from commitments to outcomes that people can actually see and feel.
Mr.
Vice President, let me end on this.
Somalia does not claim that the situation for women and girls has been fully transformed.
It has not.
There is a clear direction of travel.
We are building the legal institutional foundations.
We are starting to see changes in participation, and we are increasingly focused on the harder part, making sure that those changes are real, consistent, and sustainable.
We remain committed to continuing this work and to engaging constructively with all partners in support of it.
Thank you.
Very well.
For any additional information that you provided to us, we're grateful for.
Now we continue with our list of speakers and I give the floor to distinguished delegation of Norway.
Vice President, Norway welcomes Somalia's establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and underscores the importance of ensuring its independence and adequate resources.
We remain concerned about the overall human rights situation, including ongoing insecurity and limited access to justice.
Norway recommends that Somalia, one, establish a moratorium on the use of death penalty with a view to its abolition.
Two, ensure harmonization of the legal definition of a child as any person below 18 years of age in line with international standards.
Three, accelerate ratification of CATA and finalize national legislation that prevent and combat GBV and SGBV, including female genital mutilation and child enforced marriage.
Four, ensure women's equal participation in political and public life, including through effective implementation of the 30% quota in political elections.
Five, Pec human rights defenders, journalists, and media and ensure that criminal and media laws are not used to criminalize freedom of expression and dissent.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Oman.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We welcome the delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia and we praise the efforts made in the preparation of the national report in accordance with the comprehensive participatory methodology and its interaction with the UPR.
We have viewed the National Report of Somalia and we appreciate its launching of social protection package, which is an integrated developmental approach to enhance social protection and access to basic services.
In the service in particular of the most vulnerable groups and we recommend to pursue the enhancement of training and awareness raising programs in the field of human rights, especially for security institutions, to enhance the protection of human rights and to intensify efforts to implement national education policies to secure access to free primary education, especially for rural residents and vulnerable groups.
In conclusion, we wish Somalia all success in this review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Pakistan.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Pakistan welcomes the delegation of Somalia and thanks it for the presentation of its country's report.
We commend Somalia's engagement with the UPR process.
In particular, we appreciate the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the adoption of key constitutional legislative reforms to strengthen governance for the protection of human rights.
However, in a constructive spirit, we recommend that Somalia may one Implement a comprehensive constitution ensuring equal protection of all citizens.
Two, establish independent mechanisms to investigate complaints of abuse and torture.
Three, and take formidable steps to promote affordable and inclusive education for all children.
We wish Somalia every success in its continued efforts.
Thank you.
Raf.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Panama.
Thank you very much, Vice President.
Panama would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and thank the delegation for presenting the National report.
We recognize the commitment and sustained efforts In implementing the accepted recommendations, and in a constructive spirit, I would like to recommend the following.
First, strengthen the implementation of the prohibition of harmful practices provided for in the provisional Constitution, prioritizing specific actions for the eradication of FGM through the development of specific criminal legislation and community awareness programs.
Two, harmonize the national legal framework with the African Charter on the rights and welfare of the child, ensuring the effective implementation of 18 years as the minimum age for marriage.
Panama encourages Somalia to continue to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms and wishes full success during this cycle.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to Distinguished Delegation of Peru.
Thank you very much, Vice President, Peru would like to thank the Distinguished delegation of Somalia for the presentation of its report.
Will you recognize especially the efforts aimed at establishing the National Human Rights Commission.
In a constructive spirit we recommend the following adopted comprehensive legislation to combat discrimination, guarantees effective inclusion of persons with disabilities and eliminate structural barriers that limit access and conditions of equality to basic services like education and health, to strengthen education policies in to eliminate stigmatization, discrimination, and the lack of trained teachers and economic barriers that affect disproportionately children with disabilities three, move forward in the prevention and reduction of statelessness through the ratification of relevant international conventions as well as strengthening the legal framework to guarantee the right to nationality, especially for children in situation of vulnerability.
We wish Somalia full success.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of the Philippines.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Vice President.
The Philippines warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation Somalia.
We commend Somalia for the progress made in strengthening national human rights frameworks during the review period despite significant challenges posed by prolonged conflict and climate shocks.
We welcome the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the delisting of its law enforcement and security forces from the Secretary-General report on children and armed conflict.
This is a clear recognition of the government's committed efforts to protect children from violence and abuse, including including the recruitment and their use in armed conflict.
The Philippines recommends the following, enhance measures to prevent and combat sexual and gender based violence, including female genital mutilation, particularly in conflict affected and displacement settings, ensuring survivor centered services and accountability.
Two, consider acceding to CDO and three, continue convening the National Human Rights Summit to sustain constructive engagement between the government, civil society, media, and international partners in rights based governance.
I thank you.
Rafa Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished Delegation of Portugal.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Portugal thanks the delegation of Somalia for the presentation of its national report.
We commend Somalia's continued efforts to enhance the human rights situation in the country, including through the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in December 2025, as an important step towards strengthening the National Human Rights framework.
We also welcome the adoption of the Protection of the rights of persons with disabilities law in 2024, which reinforces the legal framework for equality, non discrimination, accessibility, and the social inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Portugal respectfully recommends that Somalia consider ratifying the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
Portugal wishes Somalia a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Republic of Korea welcomes the delegation of Somalia and appreciate its effort to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for the protection and promotion of human rights.
In particular, we welcome the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in 2025.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, we would like to make the following recommendations.
One, strengthen measures to protect freedom of expression and ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists and human rights defenders.
Two, step up efforts to prevent and respond to gender based violence, including by prohibiting female genital mutilation and child marriage.
Three, improve access to basic services for internally displaced persons and continue efforts towards durable solutions and safeguards against forced evictions.
We wish Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
Raf, thank you.
I give the floor to the delegation of the Russian Federation.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Vice President.
I would like to thank delegation of Somalia for presenting the report.
The situation in the area of the protection of human rights and freedoms reigns to be difficult in Somalia for a long period of time.
The country faces a very serious socioeconomic situations.
Somalis are victims of inter ethnic conflict centers attacks we understand fully the difficulties that are faced by the national authorities.
Their activities improve the human rights situation, especially the creation of a National Independent Human Rights Commission.
And the adoption of a law to combat terrorism deserves our support.
Now on the basis of the reports presented by organizations working in Somalia, these efforts are still insufficient and we'll recommend the following.
First, to take effective measures to combat the violations of the rights of children, their recruitment, and the use in armed conflict two, complete the process for the review of the main law of the country and take the necessary legislation to protect human rights.
Three, continue to take efforts to improve the functioning of the penitentiary system.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Rwanda.
Mr.
Vice President, Rwanda welcomes the delegation of Federal Republic of Somalia and appreciate its oral comprehensive report.
We commend Somalia's continued cooperation with human rights mechanism, including maintaining a standing invitation to all thematic special procedures.
Wanda note with appreciation the ratification Bill of the African Charter on the rights and welfare of child and encourages the implementation of the national national plan of action for Children 2024 2029.
In a spee of constructive dialogue, Randa recommends Somalia the following.
One, strengthen access to quality education by investing in school infrastructure and teacher training, particularly in rural areas and reducing financial barriers to ensure equal access to primary and secondary education for all children.
Two, redouble efforts to improving access to water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, and vaccination services to reduce disease outbreak and maternal and infant mortality.
Randa wishes Somalia a successful review.
I thank you, Chair.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Saudi Arabia.
Shukran Asin.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We welcome the head of this delegation of Somalia and we thank them for the comprehensive national report that reflects their commitment to human rights.
We appreciate the efforts made by Somalia and the achievements in the institutional and legislative framework in spite of challenges.
Our recommendations accelerate the operationalization of the National Commission for Human Rights and to enhance the capacities of the Ministry of Human Rights to continue efforts to enhancing the rights of women and to translate legal achievements into effective participation in addition to expanding basic services and addressing the challenges of the placement.
We wish Somalia all success.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Delegation of Senegal.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Vice President Senegal.
I'd like to extend a warm welcome to distinguished delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia and thank the delegation for the presentation of the national report.
We take note of the progress achieved in the protection of human rights, especially in the area of constitutional reform, strengthening the legislative framework and establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission.
We also praise the sectoral efforts aimed at promoting education for all the participation of women in political life, as well as access to basic social services.
As part of this constructive dialogue, Senecgal would like to make the following recommendations, continue the strengthening of the National Human Rights Commission in order to guarantee its independence, accessibility, and and to ensure that it works in line with the Paris principles to step up policies, ensuring equal access to education, social protection, especially for women, children, and displaced populations.
In conclusion, Senegal wishes Somalia full success in implementation of accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Sierra Leone.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ceren warmly welcomes and thanks the delegation of Somalia for its national report.
We commend Somalia for enshrining the right to free and compulsory primary education in law and policy and for guaranteeing every child free education through the secondary level as reflected in the federal Constitution and the 2020 national education policy.
We also acknowledge Somalia's efforts to advance socioeconomic reforms, including reaching the HIPC initiative completion point and expanding social safety nets.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we offer the following recommendations.
One, consider amending the national legislation to guarantee at least one year of free pre primary education and 12 years of free primary and secondary education.
Two, strengthen the implementation of legal guarantees for free and compulsory education.
Three, continue taking measures to prevent, detect, eradicate the recruitment and use of child soldiers and ensure the prompt disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration of child soldiers.
S wish Somalia successful reviewer.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Singapore.
Mr.
Vice President, Singapore welcomes the delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia and thanks it for its constructive engagement with the UPR process.
We welcome Somalia's commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and note the efforts made to enhance the protection of the rights of vulnerable persons, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, as well as to strengthen its health system.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Singapore recommends the following.
First, enhance poverty eradication efforts, including through measures to expand access to food, safe drinking water, and adequate sanitation in rural areas.
Second, strengthen efforts to improve access to health care services.
And third, further enhance efforts to expand women's economic empowerment and combat gender based violence.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished representative of Slovenia.
Mr.
Vice President, Slovenia commends the delegation of Somalia for its commitment to the UPR process.
While we see a positive step in the SG report of June 2025 regarding recruitment and the use of children, that the Somali Army and Somali police have been delisted, we also noted a concern expressed by the Human Rights committee about reports that children were exposed to violence, abductions, labor, and forced recruitment as child soldiers and that girls in particular were subjected to exploitation and deprived of schooling.
We recommend to Somalia to step up its efforts to ratify the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
According to reports, freedom of expression, opinion, and association in Somalia remains under restriction.
Journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists face harassment, intimidation, and reprisals.
We recommend to amend the media law from 2021 and to ensure full compliance with international human rights standards.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished Representative of South Africa.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Vice President.
South Africa welcomes the Distinguished delegation of Somalia to this CUPR session.
My delegation commends Somalia for submitting initial state party reports under the Convention on the CRC Convention on Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
South Africa wishes to respectfully recommend that Somalia consider the following.
Ratify the optional protocol to the Convention Against Torture and other cruel and inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment.
Prioritize and expedite the creation of a Judiciary Commission, a National Human Rights Commission, and an anti corruption commission as a basis on which to build confidence in rule of law mechanisms.
Thirdly, discontinue public executions and establish a moratorium amount of the death penalty with a view to its abolition and take appropriate steps to commute all death sentences to prison sentences.
Lastly, ensure that its legislation prohibits all types of contemporary forms of slavery, including trafficking in pass and forced child marriage.
South Africa wishes Somalia successful.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished Representative South Sudan.
Mr.
Vice President South Sudan warmly welcome the distinguished delegation of friendly countries, Somalia headed by Her Excellency, Kadya and Moksui Minister of Family and Human Rights Development.
We commend Somalia for its steadfast commitment to continue advancing the implementation of its international human rights obligations despite challenges and for undertaking extensive legal and institutional reforms to strengthen constitutional governance, accountability, and electrical frameworks.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Sud recommend one, consider ratifying the optional protocol to the International Covenant on economic, social and cultural right.
Two, take active measures to promote the participation of women and other marginalized group in all spheres of life, including the political and economic spheres.
Three, guarantee free and inclusive primary education for all children with targeted measures to increase enrollment of girls, children with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
The distinguished advisor of Spain has the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Spain would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia.
We welcome the creation of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, as well as the constitutional recognition of 18 as adulthood.
We appreciate the efforts made by the delegation in making progress towards the protection of the rights of girls and boys and women.
Spain recommends first adopting a comprehensive law against gender violence to take all necessary measures to effectively combat the high prevalence of female genital mutilation in child marriage and to ratify without reservations the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Two, to set up a legal moratorium with a view to a later complete abolition of the death penalty and to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that capital punishment is not used on minors.
Third, to guarantee an enabling safe environment to ensure that human right defenders and journalists can freely carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of reprisals and to effectively impartially investigate cases of murders and enforce disappearances.
Four, review the criminal code to decriminalize consensual same sex relations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The representative of Palestine is recognized.
Shukran Sabha.
Thank you.
We would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and we thank them for the National report that reflects advances in the field of human rights in spite of challenges.
We appreciate the creation of the National Commission for Human Rights and efforts to enhance the rights of women and children in constructive spirit, we recommend the following continue enhancing the capacities and independence of the National Commission for Human Rights to adopt law on children and juvenile justice in accordance with international standards and to pursue efforts to stop the recruitment of children and to continue efforts to increase the participation of women in public life and we thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Sudan is recognized.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We welcome the delegation of Somalia under the leadership of Her Excellency, the Minister.
We commend the progress made in the field of human rights, including signing treaty, as well as measures taken to protect children and reproductive health.
We welcome the creation of a National Committee for Human Rights and adhering to the Palermo Agreement.
We also welcome national reconciliation efforts.
Recommendations.
One, continue efforts to establish a constitutional court and other institutions to continue efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
We wish Somalia all success in this UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Sweden has.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Sweden acknowledges Somalia's ambition to improve the human rights situation through judicial reforms.
However, we remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation and Somalia's compliance with the International Human Rights Conventions, both in legislation and in practice.
Sweden would therefore like to make the following recommendations.
One, take all necessary measures to end violence against journalists.
Two, review the new media law and other relevant legislation that impede the right to freedom of expression and media freedom in order to bring them in line with Somalia's international human rights obligations.
Three, enact and implement legislation that prohibit all forms of violence against women and girls, including by ending in law and in practice all forms of female genital mutilation.
We wish Somalia a productive review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Switzerland has the floor.
Thank you, Vice President.
Switzerland would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and make the following recommendations.
One, to ensure freedom of expression and media by aligning the Media Act, the official Information Bill, and the 1964 Criminal Code with international standards.
To, to end impunity for arbitrary detentions, intimidation and violence against journalists by ensuring prompt, impartial and independent investigations, including against security forces.
Three, to effectively enforce the 2024 Internally Displaced Persons Act and prevent forced evictions and land grabbing.
Four, adopt and recognize national legislation to prevent and recognize all forms of violence against women and girls, including female gender mutilation, child, early and forced marriage.
Five, to take all necessary measures to reduce discrimination against members of minority groups and clans and ensure their equitable representation, including that of women at all levels in the public sector.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President and we would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and we appreciate the national report that reflects the efforts made to abide by the country's commitments in the field of human rights and the progress achieved, as well as a continuous cooperation with human rights mechanisms.
We commend the national efforts to implement recommendations Somalia accepted, as well as progress in the field of protecting and promoting economic, social, and cultural rights, especially in the field of health, education, housing.
Our recommendations continue efforts to end poverty in the context of a national policy for social development protection to continue to build on success achieved to improve the health sector, and we wish Somalia all success.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Togo has the floor.
Thank you, Vice President.
The Togolese delegation would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and thank them for their national reports.
Togo welcomes the efforts made by Somalia to promote and protect human rights despite the difficult security and humanitarian context.
Also, in a constructive spirit, Togo would like to present the following recommendations to Somalia.
One, to complete the process of ratification core instruments such as the International Convention on statelessness, migrant workers and members of their families, on the protection of all persons from enforced disappearance, as well as the optional protocol to the Convention Against Torture, and the optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at abolishing the death penalty.
Two, to conclude the process of adopting the bill on female gendital mutilation, juvenile justice, and the rights of the child in accordance with relevant international standards.
Togo wishes Somalia a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The Distinguished representative of Tunisia has the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We welcome the delegation of Somalia and thank them for the report.
We appreciate efforts taken by the government to implement recommendations accepted during the previous cycle and efforts deployed to implement the last National plan.
This has improved the legal institutional framework of human rights.
For example, the establishment of this National Committee for Human Rights, our recommendations.
Consider taking effective efforts to improve the access to schooling by girls and vulnerable groups.
Second, to improve efforts made to face extremism and to put in place reconciliation efforts that would guarantee the rights of civilians and build peace.
We wish Somalia all success.
The speed of the speaker did not allow for a comprehensive interpretation.
I Thank you.
The interpreters have requested me to remind speakers of how important it is to read out the texts at a speed that allows for complete interpretation.
Now I'd like to offer the floor to the distinguished representative of Türkiye.
Mr.
President, we welcome the delegation of sisterly brotherly Somalia and thanks to them for the presentation and their continued engagement with the UPR process.
Somalia's positive engagement with the UN treaty bodies, namely CRC, CAT and ICCPR, as well as the other human rights mechanism is truly commendable.
We also welcome the steps taken to strengthen constitutional governance, accountability, and electoral framework, as well as the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in 2025.
The successful and peaceful conduct of Pan local council election in Mogadishu in December 2025 has proven the significance of recent legal and instrumental reforms.
In a spirit of constructive dialogue, we recommend the following.
First, finalizing the ongoing Penal Code reform.
Second, further strengthen the protection of children by ratifying the optional protocol to the Convention on the right to the child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and other recommended instruments.
Third, continue to promote the rights of women and girls as well as the person with disabilities.
Turkey wishes Somalia a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Uganda has the floor.
President, we warmly welcome the distinguished delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
We commend the government of Somalia for their dedication and determination to promote and protect their rights amid its security, structural and national challenges.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, we propose three recommendations.
One, continue to put in place measures and enforce implementation of elimination of early child marriages and protect girls from sexual and gender based violence.
Two, harmonize the legal framework and put in place policies to guarantee protection of girls and women from harmful practices of female genital mutilation.
Three, continue to take measures to ensure security and safety for all, including protection of children from recruitment into armed conflict.
My delegation wishes our Somali brothers and sisters a very successful review.
Thank you.
No Thank you.
Now I'd like to recognize the distinguished representative of Ukraine.
Mr.
Vice President, Ukraine welcomes the delegation of Somalia and Sang sing for the presentation of its national report.
Recognizing the efforts made by the government of Somalia in the STEP cycle, we nevertheless know that significant challenges remain.
Ukraine calls on Somalia to fully implement the recommendations accepted during its previous EPR cycle.
We encourage Somalia to continue its efforts in this regard and would like to recommend to investigate and combat the recruitment of foreign nationals, hold accountable all those involved in conducting, facilitating, or promoting such recruitment.
Take the necessary measures to prevent and combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, to consider to find the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and to adopt the necessary legislative measures to that end.
To strengthen efforts to fully incorporate the Convention on the Rights of persons with disabilities, international legislation, and to combat discrimination against persons with disabilities in all areas of life.
We wish the delegation of Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you, the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom has the floor.
Mr.
Vice President, the UK commends Somalia for its engagement with the UN human rights system.
We recognize the progress Somalia has made by establishing a national Independent Human Rights Commission.
We remain deeply concerned about reported differentiation of the age of responsibility and the age of maturity.
It is essential that the rights of children, individuals below the age of 18 are protected.
We remain concerned at the ongoing loss of civilian life due to conflict and insecurity, continuing cases of sexual and gender based violence and restrictions on freedom of expression, including the detention of journalists.
We recommend, one, prioritizing protecting the rights of children, protecting the rights of all individuals under the age of 18.
Two, ratifying the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and undertaking its swift implementation.
And three, ensuring freedom of speech and strong protections for journalists operating in Somalia.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of the Republic of Tanzania has the floor.
Mr.
Vice President, the United Republic of Tanzania warmly welcome the Federal Republic of Somalia to this 22nd universal periodic review session.
We commend Somalia's effort in establishing a national mechanism for reporting and follow up to strengthen coordination in preparation of state party report and encourage continued engagement to all relevant stakeholders in dissemination and implementation of UPR recommendation.
We also congratulate Somalia for the establishment of National Independent Human Rights Commission and recommend continued support to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate in accordance with its founding law.
We further commend Somalia's effort in conducting human rights training for security institutions, civil servants, and civil society organizations and encourage expansions of such training to other categories of public officials.
The United Republic of Tanzania wishes Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
The Distinguished representative of Uruguay is recognized.
Mr.
Vice President, Uruguay would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and thank them for the presentation of the report, and we appreciate the efforts that have been made in implementing the recommendations from the previous cycle.
Constructively, we would like to recommend one, to make progress towards the ratification of the core international human rights instruments to which it is not yet a party.
Prioritizing ratifying the optional protocol on the on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and the second optional protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with a view to abolishing the death penalty and to harmonize legislation for its effective implementation.
Two, to put an end to female genital mutilation and child marriage, among others, by stepping up the pace of approving a law against FGM.
And approving legislation that would set 18 years of age as the minimum age for marriage.
And lastly, to pursue efforts to implement the 2012 action plans on homicides murders and mutilation and their recruitment and involvement of children as well as the 2019 roadmap.
We wish Somalia successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the floor.
Thank you, Vice President.
We would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia.
We appreciate the progress made such as the National Human Rights Commission, the Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, the 30% quota for women in electoral laws, and the Bokano Program for Education and Social Protection.
Constructively, we recommend, one, to strengthen the legal framework on violence against women and girls, including female gender mutilation and child marriage.
Through the prompt approval and implementation of the law against gendal mutilation and the law on sexual crimes.
To, to intensify the protection of children from forced recruitment, ensuring their demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as universal access to free elementary education, especially for displaced children.
We wish you a successful UPR.
Thank you, Vice President.
Yes.
Thank you.
Now the distinguished representative of Vietnam is recognized.
Mr.
Vice President, Vietnam warmly welcomes the delegation of Somalia.
We recommend Somalia's progress in promoting and protecting human rights, including in famine prevention, expansion of social protection, improvements in school enrollment, strengthened health care services, climate resilient livelihoods, and poverty measurement.
In a constructive spirit, Vietnam recommends that Somalia, one, strengthen food security and nutrition with a focus on the most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced person, children and communities in drought and flood affected areas.
Two, continue to improve the quality and accessibility of education, including by increasing the number of qualified teachers and ensuring equitable access for children in rural areas and displacement settings.
Three, continue efforts to reduce youth unemployment.
Including through vocational training, skills development, and support for livelihoods and employment in both formal and informal sectors.
We wish Somalia every success in this UPR process.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
Now, we are going to have a video statement from Yemen.
Sir, we would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia, the S Republic.
We commend efforts made to promote and protect human rights.
Mainly in the area of education inspite significant security and humanitarian challenges in the country.
We appreciate the efforts that have been made to improve the stability, to increase the political participation, and to improve the standard of living of the most vulnerable.
We would like to encourage Somalia to continue its efforts to strengthen institutional capacity building for the protection of human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Distinguished representation of Zambia.
Vice President Zambia cordially welcomes the distinguished delegation of Somalia.
We commend Somalia for its engagement with the UPR and acknowledge efforts made to promote and protect human rights and complex security and humanitarian challenges.
Zambia recognizes that addressing these challenges required sustained commitment and international support.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, Zambia recommends the following to Somalia.
One, strengthen measures to prevent and respond to gender based violence, including conflict related sexual violence and intensify efforts to eliminate child marriage through community based interventions.
Two, enhance child protection systems, including measures to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
Three, strengthen efforts to expand access to inclusive and quality education, particularly for girls and internally displaced children.
Zambia encourages Somalia to continue its efforts to progressively realize human rights for all.
We wish Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you, the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.
Vice President, Zimbabwe welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Somalia.
We commend Somalia for undertaking extensive legal and institutional reforms to strengthen governance, accountability, and electoral reforms during the period under review.
In the spirit of dialog, Zimbabwe recommends the following.
Number one, prioritize the implementation of its counterterrorism framework and to address the violations against women and girls.
Two, to fully implement its social protection system framework so as to improve access to health, education, and nutrition by disadvantaged groups, including women and girls.
And three, to strengthen and enhance its justice institutions, the justice framework, and mechanisms, and ensure affordability, accessibility, and responsiveness to its services to ordinary citizens.
We wish Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
G.
Thank you.
Now, we would break once again and give the floor to the delegation for observations and comments, addressing what has been raised by delegation so far.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We will now proceed to Omar second round of technical intervention during this interactive dialogue.
I would like to clarify that all the advanced questions we have been asked or shared is addressed to the interventions of the delegations provided accordingly.
We also note all the recommendations of the states provided, and we will address them accordingly.
I now give the floor to Mr.
Abahim Mohamad, Senior legal expert, Minister of Justice and Cositutional affairs to address issues relating to economic, social, and cultural rights, children, persons with disabilities, minorities, refugees and asylum seekers.
Over to Abdaqhirim.
Abs Miller.
Mr.
Vice President, with your permission, I'd like to make a few brief remarks on the broader issues of economic, social and cultural rights.
Somalia's approach to economic and social cultural rights is based on a progressive realization through national planning, institutional strengthening and targeted protection of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
In this fourth cycle reporting period, Somalia has sought to demonstrate not only policy direction, but also deliverable reforms that strengthen access to services and protections in practice.
At the national level, Somalia strengthened its economic, social, cultural rights framework during the reporting period through the NI International Development Plan 2020, 2024 and the current National Transformation Plan one, NTB 2025, 2029, which integrates social and human capital development, governance, economic transformation, and capital climate resilience.
Fiscal capacity has also improved during this period, while the Bana National Safety Net Program laid the foundation for a state led social protection system, including regular cash transfers, emergency top ups, a unified social registry, and a government led social protection working group.
The evidence Bse for economic, social, cultural rights planning has also improved through labor force data.
The SDG Gold Track platform and other statistical initiative has also strengthened this reform agenda.
In line with these plans, Somalia is also advancing broader social reforms that aim to connect c delivery.
This includes strengthening shock responsiveness, social protection, and human capital investments through the Ba and the Unified Social Registry and improving national coordination and results accountability within the NTB and social and human capital pillar.
Mr.
Vice President Somalia also recognized that the realization of the economic, social, cultural rights and the protection of children depend on legal identity.
Efforts to strengthen civil registration and vital statistics, including birth registration, support to access education, health care, and social protection, and help safeguard children by improving age determination and reducing risk linked to early marriage, exploitation, and the miscalculation of children in contact with the justice system.
In matters of health, Somalia expanded the essential package of health services and enhanced access to primary health care through the programs such as the Damal AFMAT, which in 2024 supported 49 health facilities and provided outpatient services to more than 425,000 individuals, including 16,000 pregnant women who completed at least four alternative continental care visits.
In the education domain, the national report documented increased public financing and improved enrollment rates.
Concurrently, significant challenge persist in water sanitation, hygiene with nearly 7 million individuals requiring wash assistance in 2024 and funding shortage contributing to disease outbreaks.
Somalia has also taken substantive legal and institutional measures to advance the right of persons with disabilities.
Law number 29 of 2024 provides a comprehensive legal framework on equality, accessibility, education, health, employment, social protection, and political participation.
The National Disability Agency serves as the central coordination body and disability data improved significantly through the first ever National Disability Report of 2024.
Measures are also advancing inclusive education, disability inclusive social safety nets, assistive technologies, accessible voting, and the development of a 5% political participation quota.
Vice President of the Children's rights, Somalia is consolidating a stronger protection framework across law, policy, and institutions.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia 2026 in Article 2 28, subparagraph two uses age of 15, which in this article as defined in the constitution as reference point for the constitutional notion of maturity, while maintaining age 18 as the general standard of legal responsibility and full legal capacity, This distinction reflects two different legal concepts, personal religious maturity and legal competence.
It's applied in a way that preserves uniformity with Somali's broader statutory framework, including child protection safeguards, standards reflected in the current Juvenile Justice Act and the access to justice safeguards under the Legal Aid Act.
Accordingly, Mr.
Vice President, for civil and criminal justice purposes, Somalia applies 18 years as the operative threshold for childhood protection and child sensitive approach and procedures.
This approach is reinforced through legislation and justice sector practice.
Somalia has finalized and put in place the Juvenile Justice Act, which child sensitive procedures and the use of diversion and rehabilitation as an alternative to detention.
Diversion policies are already in place and this act will further support consistent implementation, including clear safeguards at the point of arrest during the investigation and throughout the prosecution and adjudication.
Somalia has also, as stated, enacted the Legal Aid Act, which expands access to legal assistance for indigent persons and strengthen due process protections, including for children.
With the Ministry of Justice and Costutional affairs, work on children in conflict with the law, prioritize protection, case management, and referrals, and support justice actors to apply child safeguards in line with the national law and Somalia's international commitments.
So Vice President, taking these all into consideration, the constitutional distinction and the strengthen of civil registration and juvenile justice are mutually reinforcing.
Clear legal standards regarding childhood and responsibility combined with improved age documentation, reducing the risk that children are treated as adults and strengthening protections against early marriage and exploitation.
Somalia also acknowledged that progress in these areas continues to be constrained by climate shocks and humanitarian pressures.
Recurrent droughts and flooding alongside the displacement and insecurity directly affect food security, school attendance, public health risks, and the sustainability of wash systems.
These realities are reinforced by the government's focus on climate resilience and shock responsiveness through social protection and national planning while understanding the need for predictable financing and sustained partnership to protect the most vulnerable in our community.
Somalia welcomes recommendation that support implementation in three priority areas, sustainable financing and system strengthening for health, education, and protection.
Two, scaled legal identity coverage, including strengthening civil registration and birth registration.
Three, continued technical support for the rollout of Juvenile Justice Act, including diversion, rehabilitation, and effective implementation of the legal Act, including coverage for children and other vulnerable groups.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
I now invite Mr.
Abd Malik, Director General of the Office of National Security to address issues related to counterterrorism, security sector safeguards, and civilian protection.
Mr.
President, Excellencies, Somalia faces a real and severe terrorist threat, but our position is clear.
Counterterrorism and human rights protection must be advanced together.
Al Shabab continues to deliberately target civilians, bomb markets, assassinate community elders, and forcibly recruit and vulnerable teenagers.
In this context, our primary human rights duty is clear, protect the right to life, constitutional freedoms, and the security of the Somali people.
We are committed to fulfilling that duty within a framework of law and accountability.
Mr.
Vice resident, during the reporting period, Somalia has strengthened its counterterrorism framework by enacting the counterterrorism law.
We continue to implement a comprehensive approach, combining law enforcement, military operations, prevention, and building of resilience, while also maintaining regional and international cooperation against threats posted by Al Shabab and Islamic state related actors.
At the same time, Somalia recognizes that counterterrorism measures must continue to be accompanied by stronger safeguards.
The National Report notes the importance of protecting women and children in conflict affected settings, implementing the National action plan on 13 25 and related local action plans, and broader efforts to strengthen civilian protection accountability.
Somalia is also aware of the concerns reflected in the OHCHR compilation and stakeholder sex submissions regarding detention safeguards, arbitrary arrest, excessive force, and accountability in the context of counterterrorism operations.
The Special Rapporteur on Coterrorism recommended that Somalia refuse aspects of the count terrorism law and strengthen detention oversight, while stakeholders raised concerns about prolonged detention, mistreatment, and the potential impact of overboard city proficions on civic space and journalists.
Somalia's response is not denial.
We remain committed to improving legal safeguards, due process protections, oversight, training, and civilian harm prevention as part of our broader security sector reform.
Mr.
Vice President, our counter terrorism operations are also intelligence and threat specific.
We target al Shaba leadership, facilitators, and verified eminent threats, not communities.
We differentiate between law enforcement operations where the priority is to apprehend and prosecute in accordance with the ordinary criminal process and targeted military operations where the objective is to eliminate a verified eminent threat in strict compliance with international humanitarian law.
Every operation we conduct is guided by the standing rules of engagement, which are to be reviewed periodically to reflect the Ressonra international humanitarian law obligations.
Somalia also faces a genuine tension between legitimate security imperatives and humanitarian imperative to reach preparations in areas controlled by terrorist groups.
We understand that protecting humanitarian action is not concession to terrorism.
It's an administration of responsible sovereignty and a core obligation under international humanitarian law.
To overcome this, we are now coordinating all relevant international agencies and institutions to agree on a workable mechanism.
This will confirm that impartial human humanitarian assistance conducted in coordination with although its and with proper accountability mechanisms will not be criminalized under the existing counterterrorism law.
Mr.
Vice President, the government is also committed to strengthening civilian oversight mechanisms for the security sector, including parliamentary oversight capacity.
Under the National Transformation Plan 2025, 2029, security sector governance and human rights compliance are explicitly linked, reflecting the government's recognition that sustainable security depends on legitimacy and accountability.
We are also institutionalizing human rights compliance across our security sector through concrete legal and policy reform.
I can mention three landmark pieces which we have reviewed and advanced.
First, they amended Chapter 14 in the new Constitution, which now defines national security as including protection of constitutional rights of our citizens with national security principles requiring strict compliance with the human rights obligations of Somalia.
Second, the defense appeal.
This registration establishes a robust fitting procedure to screen all security personnel and exclude individuals credibly implicated in human rights violations.
This institutionalizes our human rights due diligence policy, commitments into a law moving from ad hoc measures to permanent and legally binding framework.
Thirdly, the police spill.
Human rights law is now integrated into our demorarized policy model.
The bill makes human rights competence a condition of surface, not an afterthought.
Fourth, the Intelligence Act.
Immunity is not our policy.
Torture and inhuman treatment are prohibited in this Act.
This Act also mandates that due process is required and credible allegations of misconduct are investigated.
The Coterrorism rule has similar protections.
All these species of registrations, Mr.
Vice President, mandates that personnel have to be dismissed and cases to be refiled for prosecution.
We do not shift violators.
We are legally required to remove them, and the law now codifies that obligation.
Collectively, these frameworks strengthen our internal oversight, ensuring standards are enforced universally across the security sector.
We also acknowledge that security operations in urban areas presents grave risks to civilians.
Somalia has made tangible progress in protecting civilians during security operations and armored conflict, marking a clear shift from policy aspiration to institutional practice.
Our response is very clear.
We have adopted operational protocols to protect civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, places of worship, and residential areas during complex security operations.
We have also adopted a civilian casualty tracking analysis and response mechanism.
We recognize that acknowledging harm is the first step to preventing it.
Mr.
President, Somalia's conflict environment remains complex with terrorist groups deliberately embedding within civilian populations, increasing the risk of civilian harm during military operations.
We clearly acknowledge that civilian harm is not only a humanitarian concern, it's also a strategic risk.
It undermines public trust, it weakens state legitimacy, and creates opportunities for terrorist groups to exploit grievances.
The National Protection of Civilian Policy directly addresses these dynamics by embedding prevention, mitigation, and response to civilian harm within security operations.
Mr.
Vice President, on the 2nd of February 2026, the Council of Ministers have adopted Somalia's first national Protection of civilians policy, making Somalia also the first African country to develop and commit to operationalizing a dedicated national Protection of civilian framework.
The policy is government d, convening a structured technical coordination process with the federal and federal member state institutions alongside international partners to define clear laws and commitments for implementing the policy.
This positive development builds on years of progressive engagement with the United Nations regarding the listing of parts to the conflict in the Secretary-General annual report on and armored conflict.
Successive delisting efforts in respect of the Somali security forces, complemented by command directives, action plans, and SOP reform have established a track record of accountability.
In the same spirit, the Federal Government of Somalia has produced a comprehensive investigation report on the forces of Arisaw Jama, a non state armed actor, which was previously listed in the Somalia country section.
The report was formally submitted to the United Nations Mission in Somalia and the UN Security Council, given that Arisaw Jama no longer exists as an organized non state armed group, having been dissolved and its elements integrated into the national security architecture.
In that regard, the government respectfully requests it is distinct from the Somalia Country section.
Mr.
Vice President, we also continue to work fully and transparently with the UN monitoring and reporting mechanism, MRM, and the Country Task Force on monitoring and reporting.
To initialize this engagement, we have now established a dedicated country level task force, which has produced a structured investigation report covering each and every alleged case with a clear accountability process and delivered awareness briefings to sector military commands and high level security leadership.
The underlying compliance architecture is embraced, policy procedures, standard operating procedures, rules of engagement provisions on civilian protection, and dedicated training materials which are being rolled out across the military, supported by continued investment in command capacity and ***** delivered trainings.
This developments Somalia at the leading edge of African practice on civilian protection and armed conflict, not as an aspiration, but as a government led institutionalized and accountable system of national practice.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
I now invite Mr.
Mohammed Amal, Director General of Ministry of Family and Human Rights and Deronment to address issues related to the Commission, including its mandate, independence and operationalization.
Mr.
Vice President, Excellence, the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission 25 representative is one of the Somalia's most important institutional achievement in this report report cycle.
The Commission was established in accordance with law number 16 of 27 June 2016.
Its selection process was conducted through a 19 member temporary selection panel appointed by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development and representing all federal member states, Benadry and civil society with a gender priority and inclusion of persons with disbity.
Flowing screening, assessment, interview, cabinet consideration, parliamentary approval, the appointment of the nine commissioners was finalized by a presidential degree in December 2025.
This matter not only become a new institution now, it exists.
But because of Somalia, it's moving toward a more national anchored system of independent human rights protection, monitoring and public accountability.
The national reporting identifies that the National Independent Human Rights Commission as a central component of the Human Rights Transition Plan.
And then also become the first national independent body in Somalia to fully meet the minimum 30% women's quota with three women among the 89 commissioners.
The priority now is operationalization.
This includes building compliant handling capacity, strengthening monitoring, reporting, and investigative functions, ensuring accessibility and outreach, and deepening coordination with the parliament, the judiciary, ministries, civil society, OHCHR and international human rights mechanisms.
Somali also recognized that credibility depends on not only legal establishment, but on a practical inebance and effectiveness.
Stakeholder submission explicitly call for ensuring the commissioner's administrative and financial inebence in line with the Bars principles, that is an important part of the next phase and one of which the Commission itself uses seriously as it moves from establishment to full performance.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
Now, if you do not wish to add anything else, we will continue with our list of speakers.
I give the floor to distinct representative of Algeia Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Algerian delegation welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia and thanks them for the presentation of their national report.
Algeria commend the significant progress made by Somalia in strengthening its human rights architecture, notably the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in December 2025 and the enactment of the National Disability Law as well as the ongoing legal and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening constitutional governance and the protection of human rights.
In a constructive spirit, Algeria would like to recommend the following.
One, to continue strengthening national human rights institutions.
Two, to continue counter terrorism efforts while ensuring respect for human rights.
Three, to pursue efforts to improve access to education, health, and social protection, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Finally, Algoia is the delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia and six is for review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished Representative Angola.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Angola warmly welcomes the delegation of Somalia and thanks it for the presentation of its national report.
Despite ongoing challenges, particularly insecurity and adverse effects of climate change, Angola commends Somalia's continued efforts to promote and protect human rights, including true legislative reforms, engagement with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and for all measures mentioned in the report with the aim to review the application of the death penalty.
In a constructive spirit, Angola recommends that Somalia continue strengthening investment in education and healthcare, particularly for girls, and continue efforts to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including children, women, older people, and persons with disabilities, Angola wishes Somalia a successful review.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished Representative Armenia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Armenia welcome the delegation of Somalia and thanks them for the presentation of their national report.
We appreciate Somalia's ongoing commitment to the UPR process.
Armenia welcomes the enactment of the law on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and the cabinet's approval of national anti GM flashC bill, as well as bringing the definition of age of children in line with the CRC.
Take note that Somalia supported Armenia's recommendation on convention on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide from the private cycle.
In a constructive spirit, we would like to reiterate our recommendation to consider taking steps towards ratifying the Genocide Convention.
Furthermore, Armenia recommends Somalia to, one, continue strengthening the legal and policy framework for the protection of children and take steps to eradicate recruitment and exploitation of children, as well as enhance measures for their integration and social protection.
To consider ratification of the UN Convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
We wish Somalia every success in the implementation.
Thank you.
I give the floor distinguished representative of Australia.
Thank you, Vice President.
We thank the delegation for its presentation.
Australia welcome Somalia's ratification of the African Charter on the rights and welfare of the child and adoption of the National Disability Act.
Australia remains concerned by violations of media freedoms, the rule of law, the rights of women and children, and international humanitarian law.
Australia recommends Somalia.
One, abolish the death penalty and accede to the second optional protocol of the International Covenant on civil and political rights.
Two, become a party to the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and eliminate female genital mutilation.
And three, repeal expression based offenses in the Anti Terrorism Act and end the prosecution of harassment of journalists.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Give the floor to Dinuish Representative Azerbijan.
Vice President, we warmly welcome the delegation of Somalia and thank for the presentation of the national report.
We commend Somalia's constructive engagement with the UPR process and acknowledge progress achieved despite ongoing challenges.
We particularly welcome the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, advances in constitutional and electoral reforms, and efforts to promote the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities.
We would like to offer following recommendations to Somalia.
One, continue efforts towards tation of international human rights instruments.
Two, Con strengthening judicial and institutional capacities to further advance the promotion and protection of human rights.
Three, further enhance access to education and social services across the country.
Azerbaijan wishes Somalia success in its continued reform efforts.
I thank you.
Beina.
Thank you.
I give the authorities thanks representative of Bahrain.
Tina.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We welcome the delegation of Somalia and we commend the delegation for the progress achieved since the last cycle.
We welcome efforts made to fully abide by its commitments in the field of human rights.
We note in particular the continuation of ratification of a number of international treaties and the national plans of action.
In a constructive spirit, we present the following recommendations, continue implementing the strategic plan on education and enhance the right of all to quality education, two, to continue efforts to deal with the crime of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and to make best use of international best practices.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguish representative of Bangladesh.
Mr.
Vice President, Bangladesh welcomes the distinguished delegation of Somalia.
We commend the government of Somalia for its continued efforts to advance the human rights of its people, including the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the reforms undertaken to strengthen governance, accountability, and electoral processes.
In a spirit of constructive cooperation, Bangladesh recommends, one, ratify the Adistani Core International Human Rights Instrument, particularly the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Two, continue efforts to combat trafficking in persons and protect victims and survivors.
Three, extended measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls and promote gender equality and women empowerment.
Four, continue investing in health, education, skill development, and job creation.
We wish the delegation a productive review.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
As.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished delegation of Belgium.
Mr.
Vice President, Belgium acknowledges the steps taken by Somalia to address persistent and severe human rights challenges, including the recent endorsement of the African Charter on the rights and welfare of the child.
However, significant shortcomings remain while reiterating its call for Somalia to ratify the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement on children in armed conflict.
Belgium recommends Somalia to end the detention of children for association with armed groups and treat them in line with international juvenile justice standards.
Adopt concrete and sustained measures to eliminate sexual and gender based violence, including all forms of female genital mutilation and consider ratifying the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Sure the right to freedom of expression and media freedom by protecting journalists and human rights defenders and aligning the 1964 Penal Code and the anti terrorism law with international human rights standards.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Botswana.
Mr.
Vice President, Botswana extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Somalia.
Botswana acknowledges Somalia's continued progress in fulfilling its international human rights obligations and advancing additional treaty ratification as outlined in the ninth National Development Plan.
We also commend Somalia's intention to ratify the optional protocol on the involvement of children in the armed conflict by 2028, which reflects a national commitment to strengthening child protection in accordance with the international human rights standards.
While noting these strides made by Somalia, we offer the following two recommendations.
One, accelerate the adoption of the Bill against female genital mutilation and practice of child marriage to strengthen mechanisms to detect, eradicate, and the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
Botswana wishes Somalia a very successful outcome in this review.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Brazil.
Mr.
Vice President, Brazil welcomes the delegation of Somalia.
We commend the approval of constitutional amendments introducing direct universal suffrage and the adoption of the Human Rights Transition Plan.
While recognizing the security and humanitarian challenges faced by Somalia, we remain deeply concerned about the numerous cases of sexual violence and domestic abuse against women and girls.
In a constructive spirit, Brazil recommends, one, ratify the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the Maputu protocol on the rights of women to the African Center on Human and People's Rights.
Two, strengthen measures to reduce the rates of female genital mutilation, accelerating the adoption of the bill against this harmful practices.
We urge Somalia to fully operationalize the independent National Human Rights Commission by allocating adequate resources and developing its normative and procedural framework.
We wish Somalia an excellent review.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Brunei Jerusalem.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, Brunard A Salam warmly welcome the delegation of Somalia to Geneva and thanks them for the update provided since the last review.
We recognize Somalia continued commitment to the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights.
In this regard, we appreciate the strategy undertaken by advanced access to safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as to help and education.
Spirit of constructive engagement, we propose two recommendation.
One, continue strengthening national policy and measure toward the progressive realization of the right to safe drinking water and sanitation and two, strengthen efforts to expand access to education for all.
Mr.
Vice President, Rune Dariselm wishes Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the English Representative Burkina Faso.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Vice President.
Burkina Faso would like to welcome the delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia and would like to thank the delegation for the presentation of the report.
The delegation would like to praise Somalia for the progress achieved in the process of ratifying the CETA Convention.
And the Maputu Protocol, Protection of children and the creation of a specialized unit on gender based violence within the Office of the Prosecutor General.
In a constructive spirit.
My delegation would like to recommend the following to continue to raise awareness of communities related to FGM and child marriages to adopt a draft law against female genital mutilation.
Burkina Faso wishes Somalia full success during this review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished Representative Burundi.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Vice President.
My delegation would like to warmly welcome distinguished delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia and we wish the country full success during this review.
My country is pleased with the progress achieved in the implementation of recommendations resulting from the previous EPR cycle and new measures taken to promote and protect human rights in the context of continuing insecurity and humanitarian crises related to climate change.
In this respect, we praise the mobilization of relevant budgetary resources and investment to provide support to social services to the benefit of the fight against gender based violence, national identity registration and land tenure rights.
We also praise the relevant action taken in the area of transitional justice and reconciliation and the constructive spirit, I'd like to make the two recommendations.
To make good on the promises related to the establishment of a constitutional court to continue strengthening electoral institutions, democratic participation, and inclusivity of women in decision making processes.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished Cade.
Thank you.
We would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia.
We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation of their constructive commitment during this UPR.
We have taken due note of the content of the report they have presented, and we highlight the progress that has been made in implementing the recommendations from the previous cycle.
Despite the difficult domestic context with the elections, the combat against terrorism and the humanitarian crisis.
Constructively, we would like to recommend One, to completely abolish the death penalty and to ratify the optional protocol on the Covenant Civil and Political Rights.
Two, to push for legislative reforms that withdraw from the criminal courts the authority to try civilian cases and granting it to the regular courts.
Three, to effectively combat forced marriage, child marriage, trafficking in persons, and sexual exploitation of minors.
We wish Somalia every success in the PR.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
The distinguished Representative of Canada has the floor.
Thank you, Vice President.
Canada would like to thank Somalia for their participation in this cycle of the UPR.
We commended the creation of the National Independent Human Rights Commission.
Canada recommends that Somalia, one, clarify the definition of a child in its constitutional amendments, aligning it with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Including the minimum age of criminal responsibility, marriage, and work.
Two, to adopt and implement the bill criminalizing types of female genital mutilation or excision.
Including sanctions, protection of survivors, and the criminal prosecution of perpetrators.
And three, to have prompt impartial investigations of violence against journalists and to have the cases tried in civilian courts to find justice for journalists.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Chad has the floor.
Thank you, sir.
Chad would like to thank the delegation of Somalia for presenting their report, and we would like to welcome the efforts that have been made in spite of the difficult humanitarian security context.
We note with interest initiatives aimed at improving the legislative framework, particularly the bills on the protection of the child, combating sexual violence, and the promotion of fundamental rights.
However, Ongoing concerns over security, violations of the right to life, the death penalty, detention conditions, as well as access to justice and combating impunity remain.
In that regard, Chad recommends.
Improve security and the protection of civilian population, prevent violations of the right to life, and continue reforms of the death penalty to improve detention conditions and safeguards for persons deprived of liberty, and to improve access to justice and combat impunity.
To conclude, Chad wishes that this review is crowned with success.
Thank you.
Thank you, and Distinguished representative of Chile has the floor.
Thank you, Vice President.
Chile would like.
I'd like to welcome the Delegation of Somalia and thank them for the presentation of the report.
We appreciate the ratification of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the creation of the National Agency on Disabilities.
With a view to continue to collaborate in the promotion of human rights, we recommend one, approve draft bills that criminalize and punish female gendital mutilation and child marriage.
Two, to guarantee administrative and financial independence of the National Human Rights Commission to ensure that it can carry out its duties in keeping with the Paris principles.
Three, to step up the pace of the ratification of the Optional Protocol on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on the involvement of children and armed conflicts and implement specific measures to prevent and eradicate their recruitment and use by the security forces and armed groups.
We wish Somalia a successful UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of China has the floor.
China appreciates Somalia's participation in the UPR, as well as improving cooperation in the Somalian government with the United Nations treaty bodies, focusing on the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups and the progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights.
China would like to make the following recommendations.
One, to continue improving its cooperation with the international community to combat terrorism.
To, to continue to promote sustainable economic and social development.
China wishes Somalia a successful UPR.
Thank you very much, Vice President.
Thank you.
Distinguished ambassador of Colombia is recognized.
Thank you, Vice President.
Colombia would like to congratulate the distinguished delegation of Somalia for the progress made in the area of human rights.
Constructively, we would like to recommend redouble efforts to take on its responsibilities in the area of human rights, particularly the protection of children and the empowerment of women.
With the support of regional and international partners, given the end of the mandate of the UN Transitional Justice in Somalia at the end of October 31st, and to make progress in implementing phase three of the Joint Human Rights Program and ratify in 2026 the Convention on the elimination of Discrimination against women.
To prioritize ratification of the optional protocol of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the participation of children in armed conflict.
To comprehensively implement as a priority the 2012 action plan, the joint statement of 2013, and the 2019 roadmap on the end of sexual violence and conflict.
Thank you.
Thank you.
And now the distinguished representative of Costa Rica has the floor.
Thank you.
Costa Rica would like to thank Somalia for the presentation of the report, and we recognize the inclusion of human rights in the national policy on climate change, as well as the establishment of the first National action plan to implement the Somali Women's Charter.
Constructively, we recommend to continue to work on the inclusion of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into the national legislation.
Two, to ensure that the education system has an inclusive model in which the difficulties experienced by children with disabilities are reduced in situations such as stigma discrimination, and the lack of properly trained teachers.
Three, to establish supports, accompaniment and guarantee programs for access to justice aimed at survivors of gender based violence.
Four, adopt legal changes to end female gender mutilation and criminalize this practice, as well as child early and forced marriage.
We wish you a successful implementation of these recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Cotivoir has the floor.
Thank you, sir.
Cotivoi would like to cordially welcome the delegation of Somalia and we thank them for the presentation of their national reports.
My delegation welcomes Somalia's accession to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocol, as well as approving the law of December 2nd, 2024, which gives effect to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
My country encourages the government to continue its efforts and would like constructively to make the following recommendations.
One, to abolish the death penalty, two, to ratify the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Three, to adopt a law on the protection of human right defenders.
And four, to expedite the ratification process of the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In conclusion, Côte D'ivoire wishes a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cuba is recognized.
Thank you very much, Vice President.
We would like to cordially welcome the delegation of Somalia.
We recognize that country's commitment to the UPR and the progress that has been made since the last review in the promotion and protection of human rights.
We welcome national efforts to implement the National Protection of Social Protection policy, which sets out a system to support vulnerable populations.
Constructively and respectfully, we would like to make the following recommendations.
One, to continue to implement the strategic 2022 2026 educational program through which elementary free education is provided.
Two, to continue to promote access of international cooperation to implement projects that have an impact in the area of human rights.
Three, to continue implementing the third National Strategic Plan of the health sector 2022, 2026, in order to promote universal health coverage and broaden the health services offered throughout the country.
We wish Somalia successful UPR and implementing the recommendations they accept.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Cyrus has the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Cyprus welcomes the delegation from Somalia and thanks for the presentation of their report.
We welcome the recent establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission.
At the same time, we remain concerned that in the draft comprehensive Child rights Bill, the term children has been redefined and the age of maturity lowered to 15.
Cyprus would like to offer the following recommendations.
One, ratify CTO, the optional protocol to CRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict, as well as the second optional protocol to the ICCPR aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.
Two, ensure all cases of torture, ill treatment, including excessive use of force are promptly and impartially investigated and perpetrators brought to justice.
Three, immediately halt the arbitrary arrest and detention of those exercising their right to freedom of expression and create an enabling environment for independent media, safeguarding freedom of expression.
Four, strengthen the quality of education and ensure safe, equal and unhindered access to schools for all.
Five, adopt and effectively implement comprehensive legislation criminalizing all forms of gender based violence, including marital rape and female genital mutilation and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
We wish Somalia a successful review.
Pa.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of the Czech Republic has the floor.
Vice President, the Czech Republic welcomes the delegation of Somalia.
We welcome the adoption of the new electoral law in 2024, extending the right to vote in parliamentary elections to all citizens.
The Czech Republic recommends that Somalia, first, ratify the Convention on the elimination of Discrimination against women, the Convention for the Protection of all persons from enforced disappearances, and the second option protocol to ICCPR aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.
Second, ensure an enabling environment for safe, free and independent media and arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists, media workers, and other citizens exercising their right to freedom of expression and conduct prompt and effective investigations into attacks against them.
Free combat early and child marriage and refrain from adopting any law that would legalize it and any practice of forcing survivors of sexual violence to marry perpetrators as a form of resolution.
And four, prevent and eradicate torture and arbitrary detention, including in the context of counterterrorism and any use of secret detention and ensure access to legal safeguards and accountability.
We wish Somalia a successful.
Thank you.
The Distinguished delegation of Dibbou has the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President Dibouti would like to welcome the high level delegation of Somalia and thank them for the presentation of the National Report.
My delegation commends the efforts made by Somalia authorities which have led to the gradual improvement of the political, socio economic, humanitarian and human rights situation in Somalia, despite the persistence of Al Shabab terrorist attacks.
My delegation welcomed the efforts initiated by the government to promote and protect human rights, including the amendments made to the first four chapters of the Interim Federal Constitution.
We would like to make the following recommendations to Somalia.
First, continue efforts to combat violence against women through the intation of awareness raising campaigns on the prevention of domestic violence, as well as by strengthening the fight against FGM.
Two, redouble efforts to promote girls' access to education in order to combat out of school dropout and the resulting high illiteracy rates among girls and women.
We wish Somalia success in this review.
Thank you, Distinguished delegation of the Dominican Republic has the floor.
Thank you, Vice President.
The Dominican Republic would like to greet the Distinguished delegation of Somalia and we recognize that in spite of the complicated context arising from the prolonged conflict, progress has been made in the area of human rights such as the creation of the National Body on Disabilities, the adoption of the National Law on education, the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission, as well as the measures aimed at improving the protection of children's affected by armed conflict.
Constructively, we recommend One, to ratify the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the protocol of the African Charter on the rights of women in Africa.
To, to ratify the optional protocol of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on the involvement of children in armed conflict, as well as the African Charter on the rights and well being of children.
Three, to ratify the Convention for the prevention of the crime of genocide.
Four, to ratify the statute of the International Criminal Court.
The Dominican Republic wishes Somalia a successful UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Distinguished representative of Egypt has the floor.
Thank you.
We would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and thank them for the presentation of their report.
We appreciate the progress that has been made since the last UPR, namely the improvement of the cooperation with the international human rights institutions.
We have seen the creation of an independent commission for Human Rights.
We appreciate the implementation of several strategies with a view to protecting economic, social, and political rights.
We recommend one, to continue to improve social protection programs to address the needs of the most vulnerable.
Two, to continue the implementation of the strategy to combat the terrorism.
To conclude, we wish Somalia a successful review.
Thank you.
Thank you, Distinguished Representative Eritrea.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We warmly welcome the distinguished delegation of Somalia.
We acknowledge the important steps taken by the government to advance economic, social, and cultural rights, including through strengthened social protection programs, poverty reduction efforts, and expanded access to essential services.
These efforts are commendable and reflect the growing focus on long term resilience and inclusive development despite the ongoing challenges that remain.
The following recommendations are humbly offered in support of Somalia's continued progress.
One, strengthen poverty reduction and social protection systems by expanding coverage, improving targeting of vulnerable groups, and ensuring sustainable financing for programs such as Boost U.
Two, enhance access to essential services by increasing investment in health, education, and wash infrastructure with a focus on underserved areas to address persistent gaps in sanitation, safe water, and primary health care.
We wish Somalia every success in the implementations of the recommendations that we'll accept.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Finland has the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Fin welcomes the engagement of Somalia in the UPR and commends Somalia for ratifying the African Charter on the rights and welfare of the child.
FNA recommends Somalia, one, to reform all provisions of the Penal Code that violate freedom of expression and protect journalists and human rights defenders from killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and ill treatment, and to hold perpetrators accountable.
Two, to adopt legislation prohibiting all forms of violence against women and girls and to take measures to end female genital mutilation, child early and forced marriage, and other forms of sexual and gender based violence.
Three, to sign, ratify, and implement the core instruments of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including additional protocols one and two to the Geneva Conventions.
We wish Somalia a successful review.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Distinguished Representative of France has the floor.
Thank you, Vice President.
We would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia.
Thank them for their report.
We recommend that Somalia guarantee freedom of expression and protect journalists by reforming the provisions of the Criminal Code and the media law authorizing the arrest of journalists, also to guarantee access to justice and a fair trial, by putting an end to the trial of civilians and military courts, also to set up a moratorium on executions and ratify the second optional protocol on the International Covenant on civil and political rights with a view to abolishing the death penalty.
Four, to improve the protection of women and girls rights by criminalizing female gendal mutilation and setting up a minimum legal age of 18 for marriage and ratifying the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Qatar has the floor.
Thank you.
We would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia and thank them for their reports.
We welcome the efforts that were made since the last UPR with a view to promoting human rights, especially improving the legal framework in order to adopt domestic laws to international standards.
We also welcome the creation of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the adoption of the Child's Strategy 2020, 2026.
We recommend to redouble efforts to allow access to education to all children, especially in rural areas.
To, to take effective measures to ensure the participation of women in all areas in both public and private fields.
Three, to provide more medical services, essential medical services in rural areas and remote areas.
Four, to continue combating trafficking in persons and guarantee proper care and follow up on victim children and women.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The distinguished representative of Iceland has the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Iceland welcomes the delegation of Somalia and its national report.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following.
One, abolish the death penalty and ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR.
Two, criminalize all forms of gender based violence, including marital rape and establish survivor centered response protocols and structured referral pathways.
Three, eradicate female genital mutilation.
Four, eliminate child marriage nationwide.
Five, decriminalize abortion and guarantee access to safe abortion in law and in practice.
Six, decriminalize same sex relations between consenting adults.
Iceland wishes Somalia all success for its review.
I thank you.
So.
Thank you, Distinguished representative of Gambia has the floor.
Vice President, the Gambi extends a warm welcome to the distinguished delegation of Somalia and commence its continued engagement with the universal periodic review process.
We commend Somalia's establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in 2025, as well as its efforts to strengthen human rights capacity and engage with this Council special Procedures and United Nations treaty bodies.
In the speed of constructive dialogue, the gabe offers the following recommendations.
One, strengthen accountability for allegations of torture and ill treatment through prompt investigations and appropriate action against perpetrators.
Two, strengthen the independence and capacity of the judiciary, including by finalizing the establishment of the Judicial Service Commission.
Three, strengthen efforts to combat gender based violence and ensure access to redress, protection, and specialized services for survivors of sexual violence.
We wish Mali every success in implementing its human rights commitments.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
The S representative of Haiti has the floor.
Vice President, the Haitian delegation would like to welcome the Federal Government of Somalia for their national report.
We welcome the progress that has been made in implementing the international obligations in the area of human rights, particularly the ratification of new international instruments and increasing cooperation with treaty bodies by submitting initial reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention Against Torture, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
In the spirit of a constructive dialogue, we would like to encourage Somalia to conclude the ratification process of the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, to consider abolishing the death penalty, to ban all forms of child labor, and to improve the labor inspection mechanisms in order to protect children from exploitation.
We also recommend to amend the national legislation in order to ban early marriage and to criminalize violence against children.
We wish Somalia every success of this review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
That was the last delegation who had asked for the floor for this review.
Now, I would like to yield the floor to the delegation who will have an opportunity to address the comments that have been made and provide their concluding remarks.
You have the floor.
Vice President, Excellency's, distinguished delegates, Somalia remains committed to promoting and protecting human rights and strengthening our national institution.
We appreciate the constructive dialogues and the recommendation shared during this review.
We will continue to work together with our partner while ensuring that our efforts are nationally led and nationally owned.
I thank all delegation for their support and cooperation with Somalia.
I thank you all.
Thank you very much, Minister.
I would like to thank Her Excellency and the whole delegation for their participation in this review.
The report of the review will be prepared by members of the Troika, namely representatives of Angola, Colombia, and Vietnam.
Accordance with the procedure implemented since 2015, the recommendation section of the report is scheduled for distribution on Tuesday, May 12th, at 1,800 hours.
In addition, let me recall that according to the president's statement, adopted on December 8th, 2025, the recommendation section of all reports of the working group will be considered for adoption on Friday, May 15th.
In the last meeting of this session from 2:30 P.M.
The full report, including the summary section, will be distributed by email on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Well, this brings us to the end of our meeting.
We will reconvene this afternoon at 2:30 P.M.
For the review of S shells.
Speaking time will be 1 minute and 30 seconds for all.
Inscribed speakers who wish to withdraw from the list are kindly invited to use the online system event for withdrawals at the latest 30 minutes before the start of the review.
I hereby close the ninth meeting of the 52nd session of the working group on the Universal periodic review.