Strategic Objectives of CSHRD

In line with its vision, mission, and commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs 1, 5, 10, 13, 16, and 17), the

Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) pursues the following strategic objectives:

1. Protection and Empowerment of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)

– Establish rapid response mechanisms and emergency support for HRDs at risk.

– Provide legal aid, psychosocial support, and temporary relocation programs.

– Implement rehabilitation programs that provide medical, psychological, and legal support to victims of torture and other grave abuses.

– Document and report cases of torture and ill-treatment in accordance with international standards.

– Engage with international mechanisms at national, regional and international levels to seek justice for survivors.

– Strengthen local and international advocacy to safeguard civic space and defend human rights activism in Somalia.

2. Justice, Healing, and Ending Impunity

– Promote transitional justice and accountability for gross human rights violations, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

– Support community-led healing and reconciliation processes.

– Advocate for national and international accountability mechanisms to end the cycle of impunity.

3. Rehabilitation and Redress for Victims of Torture and Human Rights Violations

– Implement rehabilitation programs that provide medical, psychological, and legal support to victims of torture and other grave abuses.

– Document and report cases of torture and ill-treatment in accordance with international standards.

– Engage with international mechanisms such as the UN Committee Against Torture to seek justice for survivors.

4. Advancing Gender Equality and the Rights of Marginalized Groups

– Address gender-based violence (GBV), including female genital mutilation (FGM), early and forced marriage, and other forms of discrimination.

– Promote the participation and protection of women human rights defenders (WHRDs), LGBTQI+ persons, Indigenous and minority communities.

– Foster inclusive and equitable community-based programs that leave no one behind.

 5. Environmental Justice and Climate Action

– Integrate human rights into climate adaptation and environmental protection efforts.

– Support Indigenous communities and HRDs defending land, water, and environmental rights.

– Raise awareness on the intersection between climate change and social injustice.

6. Strengthening Rule of Law, Peace, and Democratic Institutions

– Promote legal reforms, civic education, and access to justice.

– Monitor human rights violations and provide evidence-based policy recommendations.

– Build partnerships with institutions committed to peacebuilding and good governance.

7. Organizational Sustainability and Capacity Development

– Enhance internal governance, transparency, and accountability of CSHRD.

– Diversify funding sources and strengthen donor relations for long-term sustainability.

– Build the technical capacity of CSHRD staff, member organizations, and grassroots defenders.

8. Fostering Strategic Partnerships and International Solidarity

– Engage with UN bodies, regional human rights mechanisms, and international civil society networks.

– Build alliances that amplify the voices of Somali defenders on the global stage.

– Promote South-South and North-South collaboration to strengthen solidarity and collective impact.