Human rights workshop organized by SOJRA

Nairobi-Kenya 18 July,2009 :: On 15^th July 2009 Somali Journalists’ Rights Agency (SOJRA) organized one day workshop on human rights violation cases in Somalia, about 21 civil society organization and traditional leaders participated.

The theme was general discussion about the current human rights in Somalia.

"How those responsible about the grave human rights violation cases in Somalia can be brought to the justice and possible solution for the country"

The following are the notes from the discussion of the participants who were traditional elders, religious members, and humanitarian organization and media members.

There was a brief report about the current human rights situation in Somalia made by SOJRA executive director Mr. Daud Abdi Daud and after that discussion started.

The participants agreed that the current human rights situation is deteriorating one, especially the current political fighting caused a lot a of displacement people and violations of human rights are excessive  in the fighting areas and the areas controlled by both the insurgents and government forces.

Some of the participants said that the violation will be continuous one until an investigation committee is established with support of United Nations.

There was also encouragement that all Somalis to record any case that is violating the human rights of civilians, in order anyone committing violations of human rights understands that there will be a day that he is coming to the justice.

The participants said both government forces and Amisom forces who are supporting them commit human rights cases and also insurgents commit daily human rights violation against Somali citizens.

Participants commented the role of the international community on the Somali political issues, it has been mentioned that the establishment of Djibouti government was a favorable case for the current president. The participants said that Sheik Sharif’s main rifle Sheikh Hassan Daahir was recognized as a terrorist and he is now fighting in Mogadishu seeking solution for his name being in the list of terrorist.

The participants said Sheikh Hassan the leaders of Islamic Party has no any other option except to fight as he believes Sheikh Sherif will arrest him as terrorist and he will be handed over to the world.

The participants said at the moment Alshabab which has close collaboration with Alqacida is using the Somali young people to fight for them to overthrow the government.

The participants condemned the killing and kidnapping of Aid workers and the Journalists and other Somali technocrats.

The participants recommended strong awareness campaigns for all the young people who are always mis-led by Alshabab who give them money to fight for them and give them wrong ideas about other nationals and even Somalis.

An international tribune court for those committed human rights violations has been recommended in the discussion, as some of the participants believed it can even reduce the on going violation of human rights especially the killings and kidnapping of Humanitarian aid workers and media society.

Participants said many people believe that there is no any accountability against the cases they are committing, but once they realize the establishment of the court they may change their bad act.

Participants thanked SOJRA for their commitment of supporting Somali Human Rights system and encouraged SOJRA to organize more meeting in a way that Somali citizen open the door to talk for their rights and have relation and collaboration with the world.

End

================================

Back to FrontPage

================================