Press Release: Somaliland Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) submitted Universal Periodic Review Report (UPR) 01th July, 2015 to the United Nations Human Rights Council. This report presents in depth analysis of Somaliland’s general situation of human rights.
In the meantime, this report is part of the unique process of the Universal Periodic Review which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States by the Human Rights Council to examine the human rights record of all states.
In this regard, it is for the first time that Somaliland CSOs submit this specific report to take part the review cycle of Somaliland/Somalia human rights record which will give Somaliland an avenue to showcase its strengthens, challenges and recommendations on its human rights situation.
The CSOs of Somaliland have acknowledged that this report will contribute the country’s reputation of human rights because many international human rights actors will take part this occasion of examination, evaluation and presentations on the Universal Periodic Review Report where Somaliland’s report would be presented as separate one regarding Somalia report.
Moreover, the CSOs are expecting from the UN Human Rights Council to adopt particular recommendations to Somaliland based on its particular circumstances as de facto state and the realities on the ground which this report exposes and highlights over the cycle period of the UPR.
Furthermore, this report was emanated from the CSOs inclusive and combined efforts. On other hand, this brief report shows how CSOs have made analytical and consolidated report that adequately addresses the human rights status in Somaliland. Since March 12/2015, the CSOs were undertaking series consultation meetings, data collections and analysis. This report consists of following thematic areas:-
- Economic, Social and cultural Rights
- Access to Justice, Constitutional and Legal Framework
- Protection of civilians and compliance to IHL
- Women and Children rights
- Youth rights
- Freedom of expression and protection of human rights defenders including Journalists and other human rights activists
- Recommendations
Ultimately, the CSOs of Somaliland is very proud to prepare this report and this can be an indication of Somaliland’s civil society level of policy advocacy and coordination modalities among them. The CSOs of Somaliland are very grateful to UNSOM Human Rights Section for their support provided to the CSOs in the development and preparation of this report. The CSOs are committed to continue such consolidated efforts and policy initiatives on improving country’s human rights situation. See attached organizations contributed and prepared the report.