UN expert urges new Somali government to finalise and implement human rights roadmap

The United Nations Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Shamsul Bari, on Thursday urged the Somali Federal Government to finalize and implement a human rights roadmap endorsed by the cabinet in August. “The Human Rights Roadmap defines the Government’s responsibilities and sets goals to be achieved in a short period of time,” Bari said on Thursday in a statement. Bari added “Finalizing it would demonstrate a sincere commitment by Government to rebuild the foundation and structures of human rights in Somalia.” His call has come after the Somali Parliament last week confirmed Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, who was nominated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as the new Prime Minister. “I call on the new Head of Government and the international community to seize the opportunity to build a new Somalia where, among other things, the rule of law and the respect of human rights for all Somalis would be the norm,” the Independent Expert said. The roadmap, an initiative proposed by Bari to the Somali authorities, is based on key human rights themes, each containing its own action plan to be implemented by ministries, and sets out a post-transition strategy running until 2015. “The Human Rights Roadmap offers a unique opportunity for the advancement of human rights in Somalia,” the Independent Expert said. “However, unless there is wide and active involvement by all concerned, it will be difficult to implement it.” “I strongly advise the Federal Government to consult with regional administrations and civil society organisations throughout Somalia on finalizing the roadmap,” Bari reiterated.