Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) Delegation Advocates for Justice and Accountability at ASP23 (ICC)

Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) Delegation Advocates for Justice and Accountability at ASP23 at the ICC

The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) marked a significant milestone in its advocacy journey by actively participating in the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP23) to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Held from December 2-7, 2024, at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands, this landmark event brought together global leaders, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders to discuss critical issues surrounding the ICC’s mission and the global fight for justice.

Advocating for Somalia’s ICC Ratification

Led by Zakarie, CSHRD’s dynamic Programs Director, the delegation spearheaded a campaign urging Somalia to ratify and join the Rome Statute. This advocacy aligns with the last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations for Somalia, emphasizing the necessity of international mechanisms to address the country’s persistent human rights challenges. Somalia’s accession to the ICC would bolster efforts to ensure accountability for grave violations, promote rule of law, and support victims of atrocities.

Highlighting the Plight of Marginalized Communities

A focal point of the delegation’s participation was the urgent call to protect the Mushunguli minority community, a historically marginalized group enduring escalating human rights abuses. Under the Idream Fellowship project, CSHRD highlighted the plight of Mushunguli women and girls, who suffer from female genital mutilation (FGM) and other systemic violations. The delegation exposed recent land-grabbing incidents orchestrated by Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, the last warlord of Kismayo, who has evicted Mushunguli families and sold their ancestral lands to foreign entities, including the United Arab Emirates. These actions have not only displaced the community but have also led to violence, including the killing of elders resisting exploitation.

Engagement in ASP23 Side Events

During ASP23, the CSHRD delegation actively participated in several side events focusing on:

Victims’ Rights and Participation: Sharing testimonies from Somali survivors, particularly FGM victims and displaced Mushunguli families, to amplify their voices at an international level.

The ICC’s Role in Addressing Crises: Advocating for the ICC’s intervention in Somalia to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes against humanity.

International Cooperation and Accountability: Collaborating with other human rights organizations to enhance state cooperation and support genuine domestic legal proceedings.

Pushing the Plan of Action for Universality

As part of the ICC’s Plan of Action for Universality and Full Implementation of the Rome Statute, the CSHRD delegation emphasized Somalia’s accession as a strategic priority. They presented concrete recommendations to ICC States Parties, urging them to:

1. Defend the ICC and its mandate by protecting the Court and its staff from political threats.

2. Strengthen victims’ rights through inclusive and intersectional approaches.

3. Champion accountability by promoting international cooperation and domestic legal reforms.

Key Achievements and Outcomes

The CSHRD delegation’s presence at ASP23 reinforced Somalia’s human rights crisis as a global concern. Key outcomes included:

Increased Advocacy Networks: Building alliances with international civil society organizations, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), to amplify pressure on the Somali government.

Victim-Centered Approaches: Securing commitments from ICC stakeholders to support victim outreach and legal representation initiatives in Somalia.

Global Solidarity: Strengthening the Coalition’s capacity to address human rights abuses and advocate for systemic change in Somalia.

Looking Ahead

CSHRD’s participation at ASP23 was a testament to the resilience and determination of Somali human rights defenders. The Coalition remains steadfast in its mission to uphold justice, defend victims’ rights, and push for Somalia’s full integration into the international justice framework. As the ICC’s Assembly concluded, the call for accountability, inclusivity, and universality echoed louder than ever, offering a glimmer of hope for the Mushunguli community and all victims of human rights violations in Somalia.

By HANAHR

For more information or press questions please contact:

News@hanahr.net

 

 

Share this post

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn