Somalia's National Independent Human Rights Commission has expressed interest in strengthening its collaboration with Somali National University. The commission's chairperson, Dr. Maryan Qasim Ahmed, recently led a delegation to the university to explore ways to expand their partnership. The visit aimed to discuss potential areas of cooperation, including legal research, public awareness, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The delegation, which included commissioners Ahmed Sheikh Hamza and Farhan Mohamed Jimale, was received by the university's president, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed, and other senior officials. The university's vice-president for research and innovation, Dr. Ali Awil Ahmed, and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr. Hassan Ga'al, were also present during the meeting. The commission's officials were briefed on the university's achievements, development, and challenges.
The meeting provided a platform for both parties to discuss opportunities for joint research on human rights, community awareness, women's empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable people. The promotion of legal knowledge was also a key topic of discussion. The commission and the university explored potential cooperation between the Migration and Law Research Centre (MILES) and the commission.
Particular attention was given to the proposed collaboration between the commission and MILES, which would cover legal research, migration and displacement, and the rights of internally displaced people and other vulnerable groups. The two institutions also discussed developing policies aimed at strengthening human rights protection in Somalia. Access to justice and the preparation of studies and legal recommendations were also highlighted as areas of potential cooperation.
The visit reflects efforts to build closer links between national human rights institutions and academic researchers to support evidence-based policymaking and improve public understanding of legal rights. The commission and the university aim to work together to promote human rights and provide better services to vulnerable groups in Somalia.
During the meeting, the university's officials and the commission's delegation discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as women's empowerment and leadership. The Centre for Women's Innovation and Leadership, directed by Kaltum Hirsi Dhiblawe, and the Migration and Law Research Centre, directed by Said Osman Bashir, are expected to play key roles in the proposed collaboration.
The National Human Rights Commission's visit to Somali National University marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration between national human rights institutions and academic researchers in Somalia. The proposed partnership is expected to contribute to the development of policies and programs aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in the country.
Key points
- The National Human Rights Commission and Somali National University are seeking to strengthen cooperation in research, education, and human rights promotion.
- The proposed collaboration between the commission and the university's Migration and Law Research Centre would cover legal research, migration and displacement, and the rights of vulnerable groups.
- The partnership aims to support evidence-based policymaking and improve public understanding of legal rights in Somalia.
