Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia’s Cabinet has approved a resolution to conclude the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on Human Rights in Somalia by October 2025, marking what officials describe as a turning point in the country’s human rights journey.
Human Rights Minister Khadija Diriye Makhzumi welcomed the decision, calling it a milestone that reflects Somalia’s steady progress in strengthening rights protections and building national institutions. She emphasized that the country is ready to take greater ownership of its human rights agenda without reliance on external monitoring mechanisms.
The UN Independent Expert on Human Rights was first appointed in the early 1990s, at a time when Somalia was engulfed in state collapse, civil war, and humanitarian crises. The mandate has since provided regular reporting on abuses, highlighted challenges faced by vulnerable groups, and pushed for reforms in Somalia’s justice and governance sectors.
Officials say the conclusion of the mandate signals international recognition of improvements in Somalia’s legislative framework, accountability mechanisms, and commitments to global conventions. In recent years, the government has passed key reforms, including disability rights legislation, child protection measures, and frameworks to combat corruption and strengthen judicial independence.
Still, rights advocates caution that Somalia faces persistent challenges, from civilian harm in ongoing security operations to restrictions on journalists and the widespread impact of displacement caused by conflict and climate shocks. Ending the mandate, they argue, must not weaken scrutiny or undermine support for victims of rights violations.
The Cabinet resolution will be formally communicated to the United Nations, with Somalia expected to transition to reporting through its Universal Periodic Review and other treaty obligations. The move underscores the government’s effort to project sovereignty and progress at a time when international attention remains sharply focused on Somalia’s fragile stability and reform path.
