We work alongside national, regional and international partners to protect and promote human rights for all people in Somalia.
The National Independent Human Rights Commission of Somalia (NIHRC) is the independent institution mandated by the Provisional Constitution to promote, protect and monitor human rights across the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Commission serves all people in Somalia without discrimination. Its work is based on the Constitution, national law, Islamic principles of justice and international human rights standards.
The Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, adopted in August 2012, contains a Bill of Rights that recognises civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights for all persons.
Article 41 of the Constitution provides for an independent Human Rights Commission, to be established by the Federal Parliament, with the role of promoting human rights, monitoring the State’s compliance and investigating alleged violations.
In June 2016, Law No. 16 established the Commission and set out its mandate, structure and independence, drawing on the Paris Principles on National Human Rights Institutions.
In 2025, the Federal Parliament completed its approval of the Commission.
On 25 November 2025, the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Somalia administered the oath of office to the members of the Commission.
By taking the oath, the Commissioners committed to act independently and impartially, to uphold the Constitution and the law, and to serve the people of Somalia with integrity and fairness. This marked the start of the Commission’s work as a constitutional body.
On 10 December 2025, International Human Rights Day, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia gave presidential assent to the Commission.
The date links Somalia’s national human rights institution to the global commitment to human dignity and justice.
On 4 February 2026, the Commission elected its first leadership.
With its leadership in place, the Commission’s governance structure is now fully operational.
Today, the Commission is:
The Commission’s work is guided by the Constitution, Law No. 16 (2016) and international human rights standards. It works closely with Parliament, state institutions, civil society, communities and international partners, while remaining independent.
