Geneva (Somalia Today) — Somalia regained complete control of its national human rights mandate after more than three decades of external oversight, following a decision by the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The Council adopted Resolution A/HRC/60/L.14 in Geneva without a vote, signaling broad support and confidence in Somalia’s progress.
The resolution restores Somalia’s authority to manage its own human rights monitoring and reporting. Those functions had been handled externally since 1993, when the country descended into civil war.
A turning point in Somalia’s statehood
The measure ends the system of independent UN-appointed experts who monitored Somalia’s record. It replaces that model with technical cooperation and capacity building between the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Somali authorities.
Under Resolution A/HRC/60/L.14, the Council requested the High Commissioner, in close consultation with Somali authorities, to provide targeted assistance to improve human rights conditions across the country.
The Office will assess, monitor, and report on progress, and present follow-up reports at the Council’s sixty-third and sixty-sixth sessions. An interactive dialogue will follow each report.
The resolution does not renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia. This formally ends the external oversight mechanism, first established more than 30 years ago.
Somalia’s delegation, led by Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, Minister of Women and Human Rights Development, called the outcome a “great victory for the Somali people.”
“This outcome reflects the resilience of our nation and the growing trust that the world places in Somali institutions,” she said after the vote.
The delegation argued that Somalia has made sufficient institutional progress to assume full ownership of its human rights obligations. Officials framed the decision as a marker of recovery and reintegration into global systems, demonstrating the state’s responsibility.
President Hassan, “A historic day for Somalia”
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed the move as a significant milestone.
“Today is a historic day, as Somalia has made tangible progress in statehood,” he said in a statement from Mogadishu. “For over thirty years, this national duty was managed from outside our borders. Somalia is now ready to fulfill its national and international obligations to protect and promote human rights.”
He said the step reflects growing institutional maturity and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
In an October 8, 2025, statement, the Office of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre hailed the resolution as “a historic milestone that restores Somalia’s full ownership and independence in managing its national and international human rights responsibilities.”
“This achievement,” the statement said, “is part of Somalia’s broader effort to strengthen state building, promote human rights, and uphold the collective commitment to protect the rights of all Somali citizens.”
The Prime Minister’s Office said reclaiming the mandate underscores both the “tireless efforts of national institutions” and the “confidence of the international community” in Somalia’s ability to uphold rights in line with the Federal Constitution, the Paris Principles, and UN values.
It thanked the United Kingdom for sustained support to Somalia’s human rights institutions, and the Human Rights Council and OHCHR for their partnership throughout the recovery period.
Building a cooperative future
Although the independent expert mechanism has ended, cooperation with the United Nations will continue. The new framework emphasizes partnership over supervision. Through OHCHR, the UN will provide technical assistance, training, and institutional support to Somali authorities.
The High Commissioner will also continue to monitor and report, ensuring transparency and dialogue remain part of the process.
Somalia said human rights will remain “a central pillar of the National Transformation Plan, governance, and peace building.”
The government pledged to promote justice, equality, and the protection of all citizens through national institutions grounded in Somali values and international standards.
Officials in Mogadishu said the development belongs to the Somali people, crediting their patience, unity, and determination.
“Somalia’s journey toward justice and equality continues,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. “This victory reflects our collective resilience and the progress of a nation rebuilding its place in the world.”
