Title: “Hijacking Human Rights: How Somalia’s Leadership Corrupted the Independent Commission’s Establishment”
Photo: Incumbent President HSHM
Analytical Report
Date: June 7, 2025
Location: Djibouti City, Djibouti
Executive Summary
In a troubling subversion of Somalia’s legal and constitutional order, the process of establishing the country’s long-awaited Independent Human Rights Commission has been thoroughly compromised. Instead of embodying the integrity and independence envisioned under Article 111B of the Provisional Constitution and Law No. 16 of 2016, the Commission has become yet another instrument of centralized executive control.
At the heart of the controversy is President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who bypassed constitutional mandates and domestic procedures, and nullified independent oversight bodies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Even more alarming is the reported collaboration with Kristin Young, head of the UN Human Rights Office in Somalia, who allegedly facilitated the president’s scheme by legitimizing a rigged vetting process for nominees—one neither public nor transparent.
This analysis draws from multiple credible sources, including exposés by HANAHR.net, SJS.org, and a press release from the Somali Rescue Forum, all of which call out this disturbing erosion of governance and the betrayal of international human rights norms.
I. The Legal Framework and Its Violation. The creation of the Independent Human Rights Commission is governed by two primary legal instruments:
1. Provisional Constitution of Somalia
Article 41(1): Guarantees the protection of human rights and sets the duty of the state to respect them. Article 111B: Mandates the Federal Parliament to establish an independent Human Rights Commission.
2. Law No. 16 of 2016
Specifies a rigorous, consultative, and transparent procedure involving: A Transitional Committee composed of representatives from each Federal Member State, appointed in consultation with civil society. Clear criteria of high moral standing, competence, and non-affiliation with political authorities. An inclusive and representative selection process.
The recent process flagrantly violates all of these principles.
II. Presidential Interference and UN Complicity
Multiple civil society groups have revealed that the President personally handpicked members of the Commission. There was no consultation with Federal Member States or civil society organizations, and no public vetting process was conducted.
Photo: Alleged Vetting for the Nominees
Even more disturbing, the UN Human Rights Office, under the leadership of Kristin Young, has reportedly played a complicit role by endorsing and overseeing the secretive, hand-tailored “examination” process for Commission nominees.
Kristin Young, already under scrutiny for her alleged corrupt alliances with certain Mogadishu-based NGOs, appears to have used her office’s influence not to promote Paris Principles or constitutional legality, but to give an international veneer of legitimacy to an entirely politicized sham process.
This deeply undermines not only Somali laws but also the Paris Principles, which stress:
Institutional independence from government;
A broad mandate based on universal human rights standards;
A pluralistic composition;
Transparent and consultative appointment processes.
III. A Commission in the Shadows
Despite the process being concluded, the names of the appointed Commission members remain hidden from the public, an unmistakable sign of executive manipulation. As highlighted by the Somali Rescue Forum, this lack of transparency contradicts both the Constitution and international norms:
“The fact that the members of the Commission are still unknown is evidence of Villa Somalia’s blatant interference.”
This secrecy undermines public trust and discredits what should have been a turning point for Somalia’s human rights architecture.
IV. The Broader Pattern of Authoritarian Drift
This case is not isolated. It follows a broader pattern of democratic backsliding and executive capture. President Hassan Sheikh’s administration earlier:
Nullified the National Anti-Corruption Commission, removing a vital oversight body.
Engaged in aid diversion scandals.
Systematically weakened judicial independence and civil society input in key national reforms.
The manipulation of the Human Rights Commission fits into this worrying trend of centralizing power, silencing dissent, and suppressing watchdog institutions.
V. Recommendations
The Somali civil society and the international community must act decisively:
1. Immediate Suspension of the current Commission formation and initiation of a lawful, transparent process per Law No. 16.
2. Independent Investigation into the role of the UN Human Rights Office in Somalia, especially its collaboration with the Office of the President.
3. Public Vetting of all nominees through media coverage and civil society engagement.
4. Sanctions or Suspension of Funds to actors who facilitated the violation of due process.
5. Reaffirmation of Paris Principles in all future international engagements around human rights institution-building in Somalia.
Conclusion
Somalia stands at a crossroads. What should have been a milestone for restoring public confidence in human rights and accountability has instead become a cautionary tale of executive manipulation and international complicity. The formation of the Human Rights Commission has been weaponized for political gain, tainting the institution before it could even begin its work.
As HANAHR’s recent report declares:
“Human rights in Somalia are not just on hold—they are being hijacked.”
It is time to reverse course—before the credibility of Somalia’s human rights agenda is irreparably damaged.
……End……
Source: Somali Civil Society Forum SOCSOF
