Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali parliament has taken a historic step toward reclaiming full ownership of its human rights agenda after decades of international supervision.
On Saturday, the federal parliament overwhelmingly approved the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, a move widely hailed as a turning point in the country’s governance and accountability reforms.
The decision comes just days after the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution restoring Somalia’s full control over its human rights responsibilities. This development effectively ends more than thirty years of external monitoring that began in 1993, when the country descended into civil war and state institutions collapsed.
Lawmakers described the approval as both a constitutional obligation and a moral commitment to the Somali people.
The newly endorsed commission will be tasked with documenting abuses, protecting vulnerable communities, advising the government on rights-related legislation, and ensuring justice is accessible to all citizens, regardless of clan or social status.
Officials say the transition from international oversight to domestic responsibility represents a major vote of confidence in Somalia’s progress. However, rights advocates caution that the commission’s credibility will hinge on its independence, resources, and ability to resist political pressure.
For many Somalis, the moment carries symbolic weight. After decades of conflict, displacement, and mistrust in state institutions, the establishment of a homegrown watchdog offers a renewed promise of dignity and protection. As one parliamentarian remarked following the vote, “The world has watched us long enough. It is time for us to watch over ourselves.”
With the UN stepping back and Somalia stepping forward, the coming years will test whether the nation can turn legal frameworks into real protection for its citizens.