These themes reflect Somalia’s constitutional priorities, Islamic values, social realities, and international human rights obligations.
All thematic work is coordinated under the Department of Planning & Human Rights, in accordance with Sharci Lr. 16 (2016).
PURPOSE OF THE THEMATIC APPROACH
The Commission adopts a thematic approach in order to:
- Organise its work in a clear and transparent manner
- Focus on the most pressing human rights challenges in Somalia
- Enable evidence-based investigations and reporting
- Provide practical guidance to institutions and the public
- Align national priorities with regional and international standards
Each theme explains:
- What the right is
- Why it matters in Somalia
- What the law requires
- What the Commission does
- What the State must do
- What individuals can do
THEME 1: CIVIL & POLITICAL RIGHTS
Protection from Abuse of Power
What Are Civil & Political Rights?
Civil and political rights protect individuals from the misuse of power and ensure participation in public life. These rights are essential for freedom, security, and justice.
They include:
- Right to life
- Right to personal security
- Freedom from torture and ill-treatment
- Right to liberty and lawful detention
- Right to fair trial and due process
- Freedom of expression, assembly, and association
- Political participation
Why This Theme Matters in Somalia
Somalia’s history of conflict, insecurity, and institutional weakness makes civil and political rights especially vulnerable.
Common challenges include:
- Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention
- Abuse in places of detention
- Restrictions on freedom of expression
- Weak access to justice
Protecting these rights is essential for:
- Rule of law
- Trust in institutions
- National stability and reconciliation
Legal Foundation
These rights are protected by:
- Islamic principles of justice and dignity
- The Provisional Constitution
- Somali laws
- Regional and international human rights treaties
What the Commission Does
The Commission:
- Investigates allegations of unlawful killings, torture, and arbitrary detention
- Conducts regular and unannounced detention visits
- Monitors court processes and due-process standards
- Issues recommendations to security and justice institutions
- Reports findings to Parliament and relevant authorities
Obligations of the State
State institutions must:
- Respect the right to life and security
- Ensure arrests and detention are lawful
- Prevent torture and abuse
- Guarantee fair trial rights
- Protect freedoms of expression and assembly
What You Can Do
If your civil or political rights are violated:
- Document what happened if possible
- Contact the Commission
- Seek legal assistance where available
- Do not accept abuse as “normal”
THEME 2: ECONOMIC, SOCIAL & CULTURAL RIGHTS
The Right to Live with Dignity
What Are Economic, Social & Cultural Rights?
These rights ensure that every person can live a life of basic dignity and opportunity.
They include:
- Right to education
- Right to health
- Right to water and sanitation
- Right to housing
- Right to work and fair conditions
- Right to participate in cultural life
Somalia Context
In Somalia, these rights are deeply affected by:
- Drought andabo
- Poverty and unemployment
- Internal displacement
- Limited access to services
- Climate change
Violations often occur systemically, not individually.
Legal Foundation
The State has a duty to progressively realise these rights using available resources, without discrimination.
What the Commission Does
The Commission:
- Monitors access to education, health, and basic services
- Conducts inquiries into systemic service failures
- Advises Government and Parliament on policy reforms
- Integrates human rights into development planning
Obligations of the State
Authorities must:
- Take concrete steps to improve access to services
- Avoid discrimination in service delivery
- Protect vulnerable communities
- Integrate human rights into development programs
What You Can Do
- Report systemic denial of services
- Engage community structures
- Raise issues through the Commission
THEME 3: WOMEN, CHILDREN & VULNERABLE GROUPS
Protection for Those Most at Risk
Why This Theme Is Central
Certain groups face greater risk of abuse, exclusion, and discrimination, including:
- Women
- Children
- Persons with disabilities
- IDPs
- Minorities
- The elderly
Protecting these groups is a legal and moral obligation.
Women’s Rights
Women have the right to:
- Equality before the law
- Protection from violence
- Dignity within family and society
- Participation in public life
The Commission prioritises:
- Gender-based violence cases
- Discrimination complaints
- Institutional accountability
Children’s Rights
Children must be protected from:
- Abuse and neglect
- Exploitation and child labour
- Recruitment into armed groups
The Commission:
- Investigates child rights violations
- Promotes child-friendly justice
- Advocates protective systems
Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The Commission promotes:
- Equality and accessibility
- Inclusion in education and employment
- Protection from abuse and neglect
IDPs & Marginalised Groups
The Commission:
- Investigates forced evictions
- Monitors camp conditions
- Advocates for dignity and protection
THEME 4: RULE OF LAW, JUSTICE & ACCOUNTABILITY
No Rights Without Accountability
Why Rule of Law Matters
Human rights cannot be protected without:
- Independent institutions
- Accountability mechanisms
- Access to justice
Areas of Focus
- Detention monitoring
- Access to justice
- Accountability for violations
- Transitional justice and reconciliation
- Oversight of security institutions
What the Commission Does
- Conducts detention inspections
- Reviews justice processes
- Establishes jury panels
- Issues accountability recommendations
- Monitors follow-up actions
Obligations of the State
Institutions must:
- Investigate abuses
- Hold violators accountable
- Ensure justice is accessible
- Prevent impunity
THEME 5: HUMAN RIGHTS & DEVELOPMENT
Development That Respects People
Why This Theme Matters
Development that ignores human rights:
- Deepens inequality
- Fuels conflict
- Excludes vulnerable groups
Key Areas
- Climate change and environmental rights
- Business and human rights
- Land and resource governance
- Public service delivery
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
What the Commission Does
- Promotes a human rights-based approach to development
- Reviews policies and projects for rights impacts
- Advises Government and private actors
- Advocates inclusive and sustainable development
Obligations of the State and Private Actors
They must:
- Respect human rights in development projects
- Prevent harm to communities
- Ensure participation and transparency
HOW THEMES CONNECT TO COMPLAINTS & REPORTS
Each theme feeds into:
- Complaints handling
- Investigations
- Thematic reports
- Advisory opinions
- Parliamentary submissions