By Farhan Jimale - member of Somalia’s National Independent Human Rights Commission
"To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity."
— Nelson Mandela
Armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, economic uncertainty, climate change and rapid technological advances are reshaping societies and relations between governments and citizens. These changes reinforce an enduring lesson: sustainable peace and democratic governance cannot rest on economic growth or security alone. They require strong institutions that protect human dignity, uphold the rule of law and command public confidence.
Within this context, Somalia's democratic journey continues. After decades of conflict, institutional collapse and political transition, Somalia is rebuilding its constitutional order and institutions essential to a peaceful future. Establishing the National Independent Human Rights Commission is more than creating another public institution. It affirms the values that sustain democratic societies: human dignity, accountability, equality and justice.
As a Commissioner, I have learned that institution-building is rarely defined by dramatic moments. More often, it involves careful decisions, patient dialogue and steady work to establish integrity, independence and public trust. These foundations determine whether an institution can fulfil its mandate and earn public confidence over time.
Why National Human Rights Institutions Matter
National Human Rights Institutions have become important pillars of democratic governance worldwide. Their role extends beyond responding to violations after they occur. They help create a culture in which human rights are understood, respected and integrated into public policy and everyday governance.
An effective National Human Rights Institution serves as an independent bridge between citizens and the State. It provides avenues for redress, promotes accountability, encourages dialogue and strengthens confidence in public institutions. Above all, it reinforces the principle that governments exist to serve people.
For Somalia, this role carries particular significance. After decades of conflict and institutional fragility, rebuilding public trust remains one of our greatest national challenges. Institutions capable of operating independently, fairly and transparently are essential if citizens are to regain confidence in public life. Establishing Somalia's first National Independent Human Rights Commission therefore marks an important milestone in our democratic development.
Its success, however, cannot depend on the Commission alone. Human rights protection is a shared national responsibility requiring cooperation among Parliament, Government, the Judiciary, civil society, traditional elders, religious leaders, the private sector, development partners and, above all, Somali citizens.
A Constitutional Mandate and National Responsibility
The Commission is firmly grounded in Somalia's constitutional and legal framework. Article 41 of the Provisional Constitution establishes an independent National Human Rights Commission, while the National Independent Human Rights Commission Establishment Law, Law No. 16 of 2016, defines its mandate, powers and functions.
Under the law, the Commission is mandated to promote and protect human rights; monitor compliance with constitutional and international human rights standards; receive and investigate complaints; conduct inquiries into systemic violations; visit places of detention; make recommendations; and collaborate with public institutions and civil society. It may also summon witnesses, obtain relevant information, mediate complaints and propose appropriate remedies where violations are established.
Yet legislation alone cannot guarantee effectiveness. Institutions derive legitimacy not simply from law, but from the integrity with which they exercise their mandate. Independence must be demonstrated through impartial decision-making. Credibility must be earned through consistency, transparency and professionalism. Public trust must be built over time through principled engagement with the people the institution serves.
Laying the Foundations
During these first six months, our primary focus has been laying the institutional foundations on which the Commission's long-term effectiveness will depend. We have worked to establish governance structures, develop ethical standards and strengthen decision-making processes that support accountability, consistency and institutional integrity.
We have also established the Commission's institutional presence, including its headquarters and administrative systems. Though less visible, this work is essential to an independent institution capable of fulfilling its constitutional mandate with credibility.
Equally important has been engagement with government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector. The purpose is not to compromise our independence, but to clarify our mandate, establish constructive relationships and build mutual understanding.
More from Somalia
One lesson has become particularly clear: independence is not isolation. Independence means being able to engage openly while remaining impartial, objective and guided by law and the public interest.
Human Rights Begin in Everyday Life
Human rights are often discussed through constitutional provisions, international conventions and legal terminology. For ordinary Somalis, however, they are experienced in practical ways: whether parents can afford to send children to school, families can obtain medical treatment, clean water remains affordable, and households can maintain a basic standard of living with dignity.
Recent data from the Somali National Bureau of Statistics illustrate this connection. The June 2026 Consumer Price Index reported annual inflation of 8.1 per cent. Education costs increased by 14.0 per cent, including a 16.6 per cent rise in early childhood and primary education. Health costs rose by 11.8 per cent, with outpatient services increasing by 17.1 per cent. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other utilities increased by 10.3 per cent, while water costs alone rose by 16.5 per cent.
These are more than economic indicators. They represent families making difficult choices between education, healthcare and other necessities, and demonstrate how closely economic policy and human rights are connected.
The Commission neither determines prices nor formulates fiscal policy. Those responsibilities belong elsewhere. Its role is to help ensure that the human consequences of economic developments remain visible and that public policy reflects dignity, equality and non-discrimination. Periods of economic hardship make human rights protection more, not less, important.
Looking Ahead
If the first six months have focused on institutional foundations, the next phase must translate them into meaningful public impact. This means strengthening accessible complaints mechanisms, expanding public awareness, deepening cooperation with state institutions and civil society, and building confidence through professionalism, transparency and independence.
The Commission's effectiveness should not ultimately be measured by meetings held, reports published or statements issued. It should be measured by whether ordinary Somalis increasingly believe they have an independent institution capable of listening to their concerns, protecting their rights and promoting accountability fairly and without fear or favour.
As a Commissioner, I remain optimistic. Somalia's democratic institutions are still young, but they are maturing. Building trust requires patience; protecting rights requires courage; and strengthening institutions requires consistency over many years.
The National Independent Human Rights Commission is at the beginning of its journey. If we remain faithful to the principles on which it was established independence, impartiality, accountability and respect for human dignity, I believe it can become one of Somalia's enduring democratic institutions.
Human rights protection is a shared responsibility belonging to Government, Parliament, the Judiciary, civil society, the private sector, development partners and every Somali citizen. Through that collective commitment, we can build a Somalia where justice is trusted, dignity protected and human rights are not merely guaranteed by law, but experienced in daily life.
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Farhan Jimale is a member of Somalia’s National Independent Human Rights Commission, a human rights advocate, and a former spokesperson for the Federal Government of Somalia.
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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Dawan Africa.