The Government of Somalia, through the Ministry of Family and Human Rights, led the National Human Rights Transition Plan of Action. This initiative aims to strengthen human rights frameworks and promote inclusive governance across the country. The Director General of the ministry played a key role in clarifying the summit agenda to both national and international participants during the event held from 14 to 16 April 2025.
HE Mrs. Qadija Almakhsumi, Minister of Family and Human Rights, inaugurated the summit, highlighting the importance of the transition plan of action as an inclusive initiative. She emphasized extended participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (ODPs), ensuring that their voices are central to shaping Somalia’s human rights future. The summit featured three days of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and a presidential address that underscored progress in the human rights sector.
Key speakers at the summit included HH Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Government of Somalia, the Deputy Prime Minister, senators and legislators, ministers, foreign delegates, and ambassadors. Their participation reinforced Somalia’s commitment to human rights, highlighting collaborative efforts between national leaders and international partners to advance inclusive policies. The summit also focused on establishing a National Human Rights Council and strengthening federal mechanisms to support human rights, particularly for marginalized groups.
Mss. Hawa Abdirahman Hassan, a visually impaired member of the Somalia Disability Youth Association (SODYA), and Mss. Samira Duale from the Deaf community raised important inquiries during the summit regarding the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), emphasizing the need for stronger measures to ensure their inclusion and equal participation in Somali society.
Somalia Disability Network (SDN) actively participated throughout the summit, contributing to both side meetings and the main forum. Members from the PWD community raised important questions, which were addressed by the Minister of Family and Human Rights, reflecting a positive approach to inclusion. The summit concluded with a strong message of commitment to advancing human rights in Somalia, ensuring that disability inclusion remains a priority in national policies and actions.
