Video: Somalia Appoints Maryan Qasim to Lead First Independent Human Rights Commission

Somalia has taken a historic step in strengthening accountability and human rights oversight with the appointment of Dr. Maryan Qasim Ahmed as Chairperson of the country’s first Independent Human Rights Commission. The newly established body is mandated to monitor, investigate, and report on human rights violations nationwide and is expected to operate in line with international standards, including the Paris Principles. Nine commissioners were appointed in July 2025, completing the leadership of the commission. Dr. Qasim, a medical doctor and veteran public servant, brings decades of experience in health, humanitarian affairs, and national governance. She has previously served as Minister of Women’s Development and Family Affairs, Minister for Human Development and Public Services, and the first Minister of Humanitarian and Disaster Management. In this report, we explain what the commission will do, why it matters for Somalia’s governance and rule of law, and what this appointment could mean for the future of human rights protection in the country. #somalia #somaliahumanrights #breakingnews #mogadishu #drmaryanqassim