By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 5 May 2026 Somalia’s Justice Ministry and the Human Rights Commission discussed prison conditions and detainees’ rights, the ministry said Monday.
The meeting between Justice Minister Hassan Moalim Mahmoud and the Human Rights Commission Chairperson Qasim Ahmed took place at ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu.
According to the statement, the talks focused on enhancing strategic cooperation between the ministry and the commission in promoting and protecting human rights.
The two officials also addressed prison conditions, improving safeguards for detainees, and strengthening the justice system for vulnerable groups, including children in conflict with the law.
Related articles
Somalia does not have a unified official figure for its prison population, with data varying across institutions. However, estimates by international organisations between 2018 and 2022 suggest that the number of detainees may reach tens of thousands nationwide, reflecting challenges related to fragmented record-keeping and differences between federal and regional detention facilities.
Both sides also stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among government institutions to ensure the justice system aligns with national and international human rights standards.
The officials further agreed to increase prison monitoring and implement joint programmes aimed at improving a justice system that upholds human dignity and rights.