Somalia’s President Signs Law Establishing Independent National Human Rights Commission

Somalia establishes Independent National Human Rights Commission as president signs law

MOGADISHU, Somalia — PresidentHassan Sheikh Mohamudon Tuesday signed into law the establishment of Somalia’s Independent National Human Rights Commission, finalizing a measure approved by both houses of the Federal Parliament and hailed by officials as a milestone for rights protection and institutional reform.

The presidency framed the move as a clear signal of Somalia’s intent to safeguard the rights and dignity of its citizens. Mohamud praised close coordination between Parliament and the Federal Government in drafting and passing the law, saying the process ensured legal rigor and alignment with the country’s constitutional and religious principles.

He also commended the Ministry of Family and Human Rights for steering the legal and technical work that shaped the commission and “paved the way” for a body capable of carrying out its national responsibilities. In remarks accompanying the signing, the president prayed for the success of the commission members as they begin their work and underscored the expectations ahead: strengthening governance grounded in justice, accountability and transparency.

The timing overlapped with global observances. The endorsement coincided with International Human Rights Day, which officials said underscored the significance of the step for a country seeking to entrench rule-of-law norms amid ongoing state-building efforts.

Family and Human Rights Minister Khadijo Mohamed Al-Makhzumi welcomed the signing as the final step in establishing the commission and its membership, noting it followed earlier approvals by the Council of Ministers and Parliament. “The President’s signature coincided with International Human Rights Day,” Al-Makhzumi said, thanking Mohamud for completing the process.

While details on the commission’s first actions were not immediately disclosed, the law’s passage creates a national structure meant to champion human rights protections, respond to violations and promote accountability. Somali leaders say the commission’s mandate will be anchored in the constitution and consistent with religious values, positioning it to advise government institutions, engage communities and contribute to a culture of rights awareness and redress.

Human rights advocates in the country and the region have long urged stronger, independent mechanisms to monitor abuses, support victims and guide reforms. By bringing the commission into force, Somalia is signaling that such oversight will have a formal, nationally recognized platform as part of broader governance reforms.

Officials emphasized that the commission’s credibility and impact will hinge on adherence to the principles that animated the lawmaking itself—independence, transparency and cooperation across state institutions. In his message, Mohamud said the commission’s success will be measured by its ability to protect citizens’ rights in practice and to help build public trust in the justice system.

The creation of the Independent National Human Rights Commission follows a period of legislative activity aimed at consolidating key national institutions. It also arrives at a moment when Somali authorities are seeking to reinforce legal frameworks and public accountability while navigating security, humanitarian and economic challenges.

With the signature now in place, government stakeholders and the commission’s members are expected to move toward operational readiness. The presidency and the human rights ministry cast the law as both a legal milestone and a public commitment, marking Human Rights Day with a pledge to embed rights protections at the core of Somalia’s governance agenda.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.