Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Women Journalists Organization (SWJO) has issued a scathing statement criticizing the Federal Government’s approach to establishing Somalia’s long-awaited Independent Human Rights Commission.
In the statement released Monday, SWJO accused Villa Somalia of turning what should be a critical step toward justice and accountability into a political tool.
“What was meant to advance justice and human rights is being politicized to entrench power, stifle dissent, and evade accountability,” the group said.
SWJO, a leading advocate for press freedom and women’s rights in Somalia, expressed deep concern that the selection process for the commission lacks transparency and inclusivity.
The organization called for the process to be reset and restructured with broad civil society participation and adherence to international human rights standards.
This comes amid growing criticism from other civil society groups and opposition figures, who say the commission’s formation is being tightly controlled by the executive branch to sideline independent voices.
There has been no official response yet from Villa Somalia.