By Zamzam Daqarre - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 14 October 2026 — Somalia’s House of the People has approved the Rape and Indecency Crimes Bill, according to the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development.
The bill had been pending before the lower house for an extended period.
Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi thanked the parliamentary leadership and members for approving the bill.
She said the bill had undergone several stages of review and lawmakers had fulfilled their constitutional responsibilities.
Al-Makhzoumi described the approval as an important step towards strengthening the protection of human dignity, public safety and the rights of victims of abuse.
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She said the legislation was particularly significant for improving access to justice for women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Speaking on behalf of the ministry and Somali women who have experienced abuse, she thanked the House of the People’s Human Rights and Women’s Committee for its contribution.
She commended religious scholars, civil society organisations and other stakeholders who participated in consultations and reviews.
Al-Makhzoumi said cooperation between government institutions and society plays an important role in developing legislation that protects human rights and strengthens the justice system.
She said the ministry would continue working to strengthen human rights protections and develop legislation aimed at safeguarding the safety and dignity of citizens.
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