The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD’s Message)
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. Nicholas Gessler, American scientist, for his invaluable efforts and joint cooperation in advancing the recognition of the El Ali meteorite (Shiid Birood), from El Ali District in Hiiraan, Somalia, as cultural heritage.
Through this joint cooperation, CSHRD seeks to protect the meteorite against illicit sale, unauthorized transfer, and exploitation, while advocating for its rightful return to its legitimate custodians and owners: the Indigenous community of El Ali, whose ancestral heritage and cultural identity are connected to this extraordinary object.
CSHRD is also concerned about the risk that proceeds from the illicit sale or exploitation of the meteorite could benefit armed extremist groups, including Al-Shabaab, and seeks to prevent any such financing through appropriate legal, financial, and cultural-heritage protection mechanisms.
Shiid Birood is more than a scientific specimen. It represents a connection between celestial history, Indigenous knowledge, ancestral traditions, and community identity. Alongside Cape York, it reminds us that meteorites can hold scientific value as well as profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.
CSHRD calls for the respectful recognition, protection, and preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage, ensuring that the voices, knowledge, rights, and legitimate interests of local communities are respected in scientific research, exhibitions, and decisions concerning culturally significant objects.
We thank UCLA for providing a platform to highlight meteorites as cultural heritage, and Dr. Gessler for his continued collaboration in advancing recognition, preventing illicit trade and potential extremist financing, and supporting the El Ali Indigenous community’s efforts to safeguard its heritage and pursue the rightful return of the meteorite.
Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)