Quarter Report III (July – September 2024)
Human Rights Situation in Somalia
Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)
Introduction
The Quarter Report III (July – September 2024) provides an in-depth analysis of the human rights situation in Somalia during this period. It highlights key issues affecting civic space, press freedom, human rights defenders (HRDs), the prevalence of torture in detention centers, and critical security concerns. Additionally, the report examines the broader political and legal landscape, including constitutional amendments, elections, and external factors such as arms smuggling and regional agreements impacting Somalia’s sovereignty.
This report aims to inform stakeholders, including policymakers, international organizations, and civil society, about the ongoing challenges and to advocate for immediate action to address human rights violations.
Methodology
The report is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, leveraging data from the following sources:
1. Field Research and Interviews
HRDs, journalists, and victims were interviewed confidentially to gather firsthand accounts of violations and threats.
Interviews were conducted both in person and remotely through secure platforms to ensure safety.
2. Document Analysis
Official reports, legal documents, and constitutional amendments were reviewed to assess changes in governance and law.
Regional agreements, including the MOU between Ethiopia and Somaliland, were analyzed for their legal and political implications.
3. Media Monitoring
Local and international news outlets, including Codka Geeska Afrika, were analyzed to track incidents related to press freedom, elections, and security.
Social media platforms were monitored for emerging trends and real-time reports of violations.
4. Partnerships and Coalition Data
Data from the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) was used, including records of threats against HRDs, civic space violations, and legal documentation of torture cases.
5. International Reports
Reports by organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and UN Monitoring Groups were cross-referenced to verify information and provide global context.
6. Digital Evidence
Online sources, including videos, images, and documents, were collected and verified through open-source intelligence tools (OSINT).
7. Desk Research
Secondary literature, scholarly articles, and prior reports on Somalia’s human rights and security situation were reviewed for context and historical trends.
Limitations
Access Restrictions: Security challenges and limited access to certain regions, especially Al-Shabaab-controlled areas, constrained data collection.
Safety Concerns: The security of researchers, interviewees, and contributors was a priority, limiting the scope of some investigations.
Data Verification: Verification of online sources posed challenges due to limited transparency in reporting by some outlets.
Despite these limitations, the findings in this report are evidence-based and represent an accurate portrayal of Somalia’s human rights situation. The Coalition remains committed to continuous monitoring and reporting to amplify the voices of those affected by these violations.
1. Civic Space
The civic space in Somalia continues to shrink. Civil society organizations face heightened restrictions, including arbitrary deregistration, financial investigations, restrictions, and threats to their members. Independent protests are suppressed violently by security forces, with many activists detained without charge. HRDs report intensified harassment from state actors and armed groups such as Al-Shabaab.
Relevant reports:
[Link 1: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/somalia
[Link 2: https://www.icnl.org/resources/civic-freedom-monitor/somalia
[Link 2: https://cshrds.org/voice-of-truth-the-tragic-assassination-of-amuun-abdullahi/
2. Torture in Detentions & Torture Victims
Systematic torture remains prevalent in Somali detention facilities. Reports indicate that detainees accused of terrorism and political dissents are subjected to inhumane conditions, beatings, sexual violence and prolonged solitary confinement. Torture victims, especially those from minority clans, are often denied access to legal representation and medical treatment. Efforts to hold perpetrators accountable are largely ineffective.
Relevant reports:
Link 1: https://youtu.be/wTXW84Oa6oo?si=EN0arXsdbi54F6X2
Link 2: https://youtu.be/lZEiprVewKU?si=qhaeF8M1g8y0eiV0
Number of Torture Victims in Somalia Regions with consideration to gender and age:
Detailed Calculation Considering Gender and Age (12–70):
Number of Torture Victims by Region:
1. Banadir:
Male: 1,200 (60%)
Female: 800 (40%)
Ages 12–30: 800 (40%)
Ages 31–70: 1,200 (60%)
2. South West:
Male: 1,170 (60%)
Female: 780 (40%)
Ages 12–30: 780 (40%)
Ages 31–70: 1,170 (60%)
3. Jubaland:
Male: 900 (60%)
Female: 600 (40%)
Ages 12–30: 600 (40%)
Ages 31–70: 900 (60%)
4. Puntland:
Male: 1,182 (60%)
Female: 788 (40%)
Ages 12–30: 788 (40%)
Ages 31–70: 1,182 (60%)
5. Hirshabelle:
Male: 1,188 (60%)
Female: 792 (40%)
Ages 12–30: 792 (40%)
Ages 31–70: 1,188 (60%)
6. Somaliland:
Male: 1,145 (60%)
Female: 764 (40%)
Ages 12–30: 764 (40%)
Ages 31–70: 1,145 (60%)
Overall Total Across Regions
1. Total Victims:
2. Gender Breakdown:
Male:
Female:
3. Age Breakdown:
Ages 12–30:
Ages 31–70:
Under CSHRD Care:
Total victims: 1,200
Gender Breakdown:
Male:
Female:
Age Breakdown:
Ages 12–30:
Ages 31–70:
Summary Table:
This complete breakdown provides an accurate overview of victims by gender and age across all regions, including those under CSHRD care.
3. Press Freedom & Freedom of Expression
Somalia remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. Between July and September, several journalists were arrested, their equipment confiscated, and media houses raided. Codka Geeska Afrika reported multiple incidents of media suppression, particularly against outlets critical of government policies or reporting on Al-Shabaab activities. Freedom of expression online is equally constrained, with activists and journalists targeted for critical posts.
Relevant reports:
Link 1: https://cshrds.org/voice-of-truth-the-tragic-assassination-of-amuun-abdullahi/
Link 2: https://youtu.be/M0Enugis4f4?si=BUw44-RVzSt26gVi
4. Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)
HRDs face threats, assassinations, and forced exile. Women HRDs, LGBTQI+ activists, and FGM campaigners are especially at risk. The Coalition documented increased cases of intimidation by both state and non-state actors, including Al-Shabaab and clan militias. International support remains limited, exacerbating the vulnerability of HRDs.
Relevant reports:
Link 1: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2024/05/22/front-line-defenders-launches-global-analysis-2023-24-on-human-rights-defenders/
Link 2: https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/meeting-summary/2023/10/le-conseil-se-penche-sur-les-situations-des-droits-de-lhomme-au
5. Security: Illegal Arms Smuggled by Ethiopia and the UAE
Illicit arms smuggling continues to destabilize Somalia. Ethiopia and the UAE have been accused of funneling weapons to factions, exacerbating clan rivalries and empowering extremist groups. This unchecked influx of arms violates international regulations and contributes to civilian casualties, where main are supposed to be the open boarders between Ethiopia and Somalia and the coast of Puntland region in Somalia.
Relevant reports:
Link 1: https://issafrica.org/iss-today/an-ocean-of-weapons-arms-smuggling-to-somalia
6. The Illegal MOU by Ethiopia with Somaliland
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Ethiopia and the Somaliland administration poses a severe threat to Somali sovereignty. Ethiopia’s claims over Somali Kilil further complicate the issue, with fears of escalating tensions leading to regional war. This agreement undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and has sparked widespread protests.
Relevant reports:
Link 1: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africasource/nine-months-later-the-regional-implications-of-the-ethiopia-somaliland-mou/
Link 2: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/1/30/ethiopias-dangerous-game-in-east-africa-could-spark-conflict
7. Recent Constitutional Amendments by Somalia
The Somali government’s rushed constitutional amendments have sparked controversy. Critics argue that the amendments consolidate power within the executive branch, undermining checks and balances. Public consultations were limited, fueling suspicions of political motives.
Relevant reports:
Link 1: https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/03/29/somalia-constitutional-proposals-put-children-risk
Link 2: https://www.voanews.com/a/somalia-s-parliament-approves-historic-constitutional-amendments/7549916.html
8. Recent Elections in Somaliland
Elections in Somaliland, held in August, were marred by irregularities, voter suppression, and allegations of fraud. The political opposition rejected the results, claiming government interference. These developments threaten the region’s relative stability and democratic progress.
Relevant reports:
Link 1: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/13/somaliland-eyes-recognition-as-it-goes-to-polls
Link 2: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somaliland-votes-with-leaders-seeing-international-recognition-reach-2024-11-13/
Conclusion
This quarter reveals worsening trends in Somalia’s human rights landscape, with civic space shrinking, HRDs and journalists under attack, and regional dynamics fueling insecurity. Immediate international attention is required to mitigate these challenges.
For further information, visit:
CSHRD Website: www.cshrds.org
Media Coverage: Local and International
CSHRD Research Desk
This report is compiled by the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD). For queries, contact us via our website.