Thursday December 11, 2025
MOGADISHU (AX) — Somali PresidentHassan Sheikh Mohamudhas signed into law the establishment of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, capping a legislative process completed by both houses of the Federal Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The presidential assent came Tuesday and coincided with the country’s observance of International Human Rights Day.
- Advertisement -
Mohamud said the commission’s creation reflects Somalia’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens. He praised close cooperation between Parliament and the Federal Government, saying their joint work ensured the statute’s legal soundness and alignment with constitutional and religious principles.
The president also commended the Ministry of Family and Human Rights for steering the legal and technical groundwork that paved the way for a commission he said is capable of meeting its national responsibilities. He prayed for the members’ success as they begin their work and underscored the critical duties ahead: safeguarding human rights and strengthening governance anchored in justice, accountability and transparency.
“I would like to express my gratitude to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for officially signing or completing the establishment of the Members of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, which was previously approved by both Houses of Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The President’s signature coincided with International Human Rights Day,” Minister of Family and Human Rights Khadijo Mohamed Al-Makhzumi said.
The move is a significant milestone in Somalia’s wider efforts to advance human rights protections and institutional reform. Officials framed the commission as a central pillar in building a rules-based system that upholds fundamental freedoms and provides a pathway for accountability.
While the announcement affirmed that members are in place, authorities did not release further details on the commission’s structure, mandate or timeline for the start of operations. The presidency emphasized that the body will function in harmony with the country’s constitutional order and religious values.
The timing — on Human Rights Day — underscores the government’s attempt to link domestic reform to international norms. The day marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is often used by governments and civil society groups to highlight commitments and gaps in rights protections.
Somalia’s leadership presented the commission as part of an ongoing program to fortify institutions tasked with ensuring justice and transparency. The creation of a dedicated, independent body signals a formal mechanism to receive concerns, promote rights awareness and advise on compliance with national and international obligations — functions that rights advocates say are critical in fragile contexts.
No immediate appointments or procedural calendars were shared beyond confirmation of the commission’s establishment. The presidency and the Ministry of Family and Human Rights urged members to begin work decisively and pledged federal cooperation as the commission stands up its operations.
Officials framed the law as both a symbolic and practical step. Symbolically, the enactment on Human Rights Day ties Somalia’s reform narrative to a global benchmark. Practically, it sets a legal foundation for a commission charged with protecting citizens’ dignity and guiding a system of governance rooted in accountability and the rule of law.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
