CSHRD Partners Strengthen Civic Space in Somalia Through Historic Joint Action Plan – August 2025
In a landmark initiative to safeguard civil society in Somalia, the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD), with support from CIVICUS, convened a high-level multi-stakeholder roundtable in Nairobi in August 2025. Twenty participants—including CSO leaders, journalists, and government representatives from the Ministry of Women and Human Rights—joined both in person and virtually, ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders.
The roundtable focused on addressing civic space restrictions, including *unfreezing local media organization’s bank accounts* and halting arbitrary detentions of human rights defenders. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue aimed at alliance-building, collective advocacy, and strategic partnerships with media and diplomatic missions to amplify civil society’s voice.
Results and Deliverables:
1. Signed Joint Action Plan – August 2025: At least 15 stakeholders committed to coordinated advocacy and a formal petition to the Somali Parliament, prioritizing marginalized groups such as women and rural human rights defenders.
2. Roundtable Consultations Since May 2025: A series of preparatory discussions were held with CSO members to identify challenges, build trust, and consolidate strategies for civic space protection.
3. Capacity Development of CSO Members: Stakeholders enhanced advocacy skills, strategic planning, and engagement techniques, equipping them to lead initiatives and respond to civic space restrictions effectively.
Funded by CIVICUS, the initiative also counters efforts by state and non-state actors to shrink civic space, including the flawed establishment of the so-called independent National Human Rights Commission, which excluded CSOs in violation of the Paris Principles. The joint action plan represents a critical step toward reinforcing international human rights standards, strengthening collaboration, and safeguarding Somalia’s democratic civic landscape.
Source: CSHRD