Thursday October 10, 2024
UK's Permanent Representative Simon Manley and Somalia's Ambassador Khadra Ahmed Dualeh engage in conversation during the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The United Kingdom and Somalia have introduced a joint resolution on Thursday at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to extend technical assistance for Somalia's human rights reforms and renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on Somalia.
Simon Manley, the UK's Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), praised Somalia's efforts to enhance human rights protections, noting the passing of the Disability Rights Bill in August and the establishment of a technical working group on human rights. "Somalia's engagement with international human rights mechanisms is exemplary, and these reforms demonstrate its dedication to securing a better future for all its citizens," Manley said.
The draft resolution calls for tailored technical assistance to help Somalia implement its human rights initiatives, particularly those focused on protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities. Somalia is expected to collaborate closely with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other international stakeholders to advance these reforms.
A Somali government official echoed this sentiment, affirming the country's commitment to improving human rights. "Somalia is dedicated to working with the international community to uphold the rights of all its citizens," the official said, adding that the Disability Rights Bill has already begun to create positive changes for vulnerable groups.
The resolution is expected to receive broad support from UNHRC member states.