The Human Rights Defender s Declaration

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The Human Rights Defender’s Declaration, Hargesia 20.2.2003

We, Somali human rights defenders,

Representing civil society organizations covering issues of justice and the rule of law, women’s human rights, minority rights, freedom of expression and association, and development, coming from Somaliland, Puntland and Central and Southern Somalia, with a common aim of a better human rights future for all our Somali brothers and sisters,

Gathered together for human rights discussions and workshop training in Hargeisa, and determined to increase the extent and influence of human rights defence activities defenders seeking peace, reconciliation, justice, security and good governance,

Remembering countless Somali civilian men, women and children who have died as a result of political violence, including human rights defenders, and others who fled dictatorship and civil war,

Encouraged by the support for human rights defenders worldwide established by the international community in 1998 on the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, when the United Nations’ General Assembly adopted the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders,

Responding to the strong support of the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Human Rights Defenders, and appreciating the efforts of the UN Independent Expert for Somalia on behalf of Somali human rights defenders,

Recalling the signing of a worldwide Human Rights Pledge in 1998 by the Government of Somaliland, the President of the Transitional National Government, certain political leaders, and hundreds of members of civil society throughout Somalia and Somaliland - a pledge to “do everything in my power to ensure that the rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights become a reality throughout the world”,

Noting the achievements of human rights defenders across Africa and the rest of the world in building democracy, strengthening the rule of law and resolving conflict,

Determined that there shall be no impunity granted to those who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, and believing that if they were allowed to hold government office they could commit such crimes again;

RESOLVE THAT:

We will increase our struggle against human rights abuses, such as arbitrary killings, torture, arbitrary detention and kidnapping, We will work for the equal rights of all, without regard to gender, social identity or status or regional origin, with full protection for vulnerable groups such as women and minorities, and for a sustainable livelihood and favourable humanitarian environment,

We recognize and support women human rights defenders in their work for the promotion of women’s rights, the eradication of violence against women and female genital mutilation, their services to women victims of violence, and campaigning for women’s full political participation in building democratic governance at all levels;

Call on all Somali political authorities to:

• publicly recognize the legitimate role of human rights defenders in the protection and promotion of human rights,

• guarantee our right, as set out in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, to hold meetings and rallies, conduct research and investigations into human rights abuses, publish reports, make complaints and recommendations, lead public discussions, look for and receive

resources both nationally and internationally, and communicate freely with the international community and mechanisms of the United Nations,

• publicly declare that human rights defenders will not be subject to reprisals for these activities, whether through arbitrary actions of security forces or laws incompatible with international human rights instruments,

• ensure that human rights defenders have access to institutions of accountability, a free press, democratic political institutions, justice consistent with international standards, and redress when their rights are abused;

Appeal to the international community to:

• respond positively to appeals for recovery, rehabilitation and development

• assist especially those areas displaying evidence of commitment to human rights, peace, security and good governance, and engagement in development through their own efforts,

• assist and protect Somali human rights defenders facing severe risks by bringing pressure on the authorities persecuting them, and by helping to build the capacity of their organizations and enhance their influence.

This Declaration was adopted by the following organizations, in the presence of the UN Independent Expert for Somalia, Dr Ghanim Alnajjar, at a workshop for Somali Human Rights Defenders held in Hargeisa by Amnesty International, Novib and International Cooperation for Development:

1. Samo Talis Coalition for Human Rights

2. Nagaad Women’s Coalition

3. Peace and Human Rights Network

4. Dr Ismail Ju’malle Human Rights Organization

5. Coalition of Somaliland NGOs (COSONGO)

6. Coalition of Grassroots Women’s Organizations (COGWO)

7. WAWA (We Are Women Activists)

8. Isha Human Rights Organization

9. Dulmidiid Centre for Human Rights

10. Somaliland Committee for War Crimes Investigation

11. Kisima Peace and Development Organization

12. Technical Development Foundation