Somalia’s Upper House approves national human rights commissioners
Somalia’s Upper House has approved the appointment of nine commissioners to the National Independent Human Rights Commission, a key step in formalizing the country’s human rights oversight architecture. The commissioners were sworn in immediately after the vote, completing the parliamentary endorsement process.
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- Twenty-eight senators voted in favor during Wednesday’s session; one abstained.
- The House of the People approved the creation of the Commission on October 11, 2025.
- The move is intended to reinforce accountability and rights protections across government institutions.
Vote and swearing-in
The session drew 55 senators, with a clear majority supporting the appointments. Following the vote, the appointees took the oath before the Upper House, enabling the Commission to begin organizing its leadership and workload.
- 55 senators were present; 28 backed the slate, with one abstention.
- The commissioners were sworn in immediately after the approval.
- Wednesday’s session formalized the Commission’s membership under the current legislative term.
Mandate and significance
Officials say the Commission is designed to protect human rights and bolster government accountability. Minister of Family and Human Rights Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi underscored the body’s role in Somalia’s rights framework and described the creation of the Commission as “a great and historic achievement for the Somali people.”
- The Commission is expected to serve as an independent pillar within Somalia’s national human rights system.
- Its work is intended to support governance aligned with international human rights standards.
- The nine commissioners will elect a chairperson from among themselves.
Newly appointed commissioners
The Commission comprises nine members, who will organize internally and select their chair. Their appointment follows bicameral action to establish a national independent body focused on rights monitoring and accountability.
- Nine commissioners have been approved and sworn in.
- They will elect a chairperson from within the Commission.
- The list reflects a cross-section of professional backgrounds in public service.
Farhan Mohamed Jamali; Ahmed Sheikh Hamza Abshir; Ali Mohamed Almi; Omar Abdulle Alasow; Mariam Qasim Ahmed; Fatima Abdelghani Yusuf; Mohamed Osman Mahmoud; Mohamed Harun Mahmoud; and Maimouna Sheikh Omar.
What’s next
With the commissioners sworn in, the immediate next step is for the body to elect a chair and set procedures for its work. Authorities say the Commission’s formation is expected to strengthen Somalia’s rights protections and advance alignment with international standards.
- Commissioners will elect a chairperson to lead their mandate.
- The institution’s establishment follows the House of the People’s October 11 approval.
- Officials project it will bolster oversight and accountability across Somalia’s governance structures.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
