The Chairperson of the Somali National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Maryan Qaasim, held talks in Mogadishu on Monday with Brian James Williams, Head of the Funding Division at the UN Peacebuilding Fund, to strengthen collaboration on human rights protection and state-building.
The meeting comes at a critical juncture as Somalia emerges from decades of conflict and begins to rebuild its national institutions. With the UN Peacebuilding Fund allocating resources to fragile states, this partnership aims to ensure that human rights monitoring and institutional capacity-building remain central to Somalia’s stabilization agenda, an area often underfunded compared to military and political tracks.
During the hour-long discussion, both sides explored practical avenues for joint action, focusing on peacebuilding support, advancing human rights, and empowering Somalia’s nascent governance structures.
Williams specifically lauded the commission’s rapid deployment of field monitors and its recent reports on civilian protection, which he described as a benchmark for transparency.
Qaasim expressed deep appreciation for the UN delegation’s visit to the Commission’s headquarters and acknowledged the consistent backing from the world body. She stressed that only through sustained, fruitful cooperation can the Commission strengthen its operations and expand human rights awareness across Somalia’s federal member states.
The Somali National Human Rights Commission was established less than three years ago. Its officials have since faced significant challenges, including limited funding, security constraints, and limited access to detention centers. Monday’s talks signal potential new funding streams for training programs and victim assistance mechanisms.
No immediate financial commitment was announced, but Williams confirmed that the Peacebuilding Fund views the commission as a strategic partner for long-term stability.