Mareeg.com-Somali Federal Government today marked International Human Rights day with a morning
of songs, drama and speeches held at the Somali Central Prison in Mogadishu. The
event was attended by the Minister of Justice, Solicitor General, MPs, senior
members of the Armed Forces, representatives from civil society and members of the
public.
Through a combination of song and dance the importance of Human Rights, access to
education and health, and protection of individual rights were expressed.
Government officials, senior police and civil society representatives followed the
morning’s performances with a tour of the Central Prison. The delegation
watched a football game between two teams of prisoners followed by a tour of the
prison kitchen and the newly refurbished part of the prison.
The Minister of Justice, Abdullahi Abyan Nur, addressing the audience, said:
“This is a big day for Human Rights in the world and here in Somalia. As the
Quran teaches us we must respect all fellow human beings. Human Rights is based on
Islam and we must implement and protect the rights of individuals.
“The government is committed to justice and ensuring the values of human
rights are protected at all times. We are moving in the right direction and we must
not divert from this course.”
Addressing the event, Asli Ismail, founder of Women’s Education and Voicing
Entrepreneurship (WEAVE), said: “Providing education to both women and men is
very important. We will support the Ministry of Justice to ensure that justice is
served whilst also providing education, health and rehabilitation to those
imprisoned which is part of protecting Human Rights.”
**ENDS**
**Ridwaan Haji**
**Government Spokesperson**
