Somalia - Country of Concern: latest update, 31 March 2014
Updated 21 January 2015
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Over the last three months, the human rights situation in Somalia has remained poor, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
In March, the African Union Forces (AMISOM) launched a renewed offensive against Al Shabaab strongholds, following the uplift in troops mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2124 (2013). AMISOM, alongside Somali National Army (SNA) troops have succeeded in retaking key towns from Al Shabaab, including Xudur and Bula Burto. Further operations are planned ahead of the main rainy season, due in April. Al Shabaab has responded by withdrawing from towns into surrounding territories, while continuing to threaten local populations and mount asymmetric attacks, such as the suicide attack on 18 March in Bula Burto.
Renewed operations have led to fears of increased civilian casualties and humanitarian impact. There are numerous reports of civilians fleeing areas of active conflict with an influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into AMISOM-held towns in surrounding areas. However, there are indications that people are moving back into areas as AMISOM and SNA troops retake territory. Initial reports of Al Shabaab destroying vital infrastructure as they withdraw appear to have been overstated. Key needs for civilians temporarily displaced by the fighting have been identified as shelter, household items, food, safe drinking water and healthcare.
In addition to the effect on newly displaced civilians, the ongoing offensive risks disrupting the planting of crops in the Shabelles, the Jubas and parts of Bay and Bakool. Planting season normally takes place in March and April, ahead of the rains, in preparation for the “Gu” harvest in August, which provides around 70% of Somalia’s crops. A failed or reduced harvest potentially puts the two million inhabitants of these areas, already at risk of food shortages, in dire need. Through DFID, the UK has put in place a £145 million multi-year humanitarian programme which provides for both emergency response and protection of livelihoods. However, other donors need to be found.
The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has focused on stabilising the territories recovered by AMISOM and SNA troops from Al Shabaab control. Ensuring local political settlements are in place and securing the peace will be vital to consolidating stability. The FGS have called for urgent support for this stabilisation work from international donors. The UK has responded by committing over £3.5million for infrastructure, training and outreach. Other donors, including the EU, Italy and the US have also responded, with the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) offering US$3million from its Peacebuilding Fund.
Mogadishu has been the focus of increased attacks in recent months, including improvised explosive devices, mortars and grenade attacks. The indiscriminate nature of these attacks is in direct contravention of international humanitarian law. On 25 March, a mortar attack in an IDP settlement in Mogadishu wounded ten, including six children.
In January, the use of the death penalty in Somalia was brought to international attention when images of the public execution of a soldier convicted of killing a child were released online. Somalia’s use of the death penalty continues to be of concern with several reports of public executions being carried out in the presence of children. Human Rights Watch have reported four such instances already this year. Somalia’s military courts were exceptionally granted temporary powers to try all abuses committed in areas declared under a state of emergency. However, access to these courts is restricted, making it difficult to confirm whether defendants have been tried fairly and been able to prepare a defence. There are further concerns regarding the use of military courts to try civilians.
The UK is fundamentally opposed to the use of the death penalty and has raised our concerns with the FGS. We will continue to encourage the Somali government to suspend death penalty sentences and establish a moratorium on the death penalty.
This publication is part of the 2013 Human Rights and Democracy Report.