Geneva, Switzerland – Somalia’s Deputy Speaker of the House of the People, Abdullahi Omar Abshirow, led a high-level parliamentary delegation to Geneva for the 151st session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), where global lawmakers convened to deliberate on pressing international issues.
In his address to the assembly, Abshirow shed light on Somalia’s ongoing legislative reforms aimed at strengthening social protection systems and improving the welfare of refugees and displaced communities. He noted that Somalia continues to host thousands of returnees and internally displaced persons, emphasizing that new social legislation is designed to promote inclusion, access to justice, and economic empowerment for vulnerable groups.
“Somalia’s Parliament is committed to building a legal framework that upholds human dignity and ensures that no one is left behind,” Abshirow told the delegates, highlighting progress made under the current legislative agenda despite years of conflict and instability.
The Somali delegation also participated in key plenary sessions, including votes on global motions addressing organized crime and the political crisis in Madagascar. Abshirow reiterated Somalia’s support for multilateral cooperation to tackle transnational threats, calling for stronger international coordination in combating illicit trade and trafficking networks that destabilize nations.
The Geneva meeting brought together lawmakers from more than 170 countries to exchange experiences on governance, peacebuilding, and human rights. For Somalia, Abshirow’s participation underscored the country’s renewed engagement in international diplomacy and its commitment to contributing to global parliamentary dialogue.
Observers noted that the Deputy Speaker’s contribution reflected Somalia’s broader effort to project a responsible image on the world stage—one rooted in reform, resilience, and the pursuit of lasting peace.