Somalia's Human Rights Crisis Deepens
Staff Reporter Garowe Online
October 9, 2026
Somalia continues to face serious human rights challenges, including restrictions on freedom of expression, forced evictions, abuses against civilians and widespread impunity, raising questions about the government's ability to protect citizens and hold perpetrators accountable.
International human rights organizations have documented persistent violations across the country. Human Rights Watch, in its 2026 World Report, highlighted restrictions on independent reporting, continued forced evictions in Mogadishu and abuses against civilians by Al-Shabaab. Amnesty International also reported serious violations affecting children, women and internally displaced people.
The situation has placed renewed scrutiny on government institutions responsible for protecting fundamental rights and ensuring that allegations of abuse are investigated and addressed.
A major concern is whether the government's human rights mechanisms have delivered meaningful protection for victims. Critics argue that the authorities must do more to ensure accountability, provide access to justice and protect journalists, activists and vulnerable communities from intimidation and abuse.
Somalia's human rights record remains among the weakest internationally. Freedom House gave the country a score of just 8 out of 100 in its 2026 Freedom in the World report, classifying it as "Not Free." The assessment reflects severe restrictions on political rights and civil liberties, although it is not a ranking of human rights performance alone.
The government has taken steps to establish a national framework for human rights protections, including the creation of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. However, the effectiveness of the institution will depend on its independence, resources, ability to investigate complaints and capacity to secure remedies for victims.
The United Nations and international aid organizations have repeatedly called for stronger accountability mechanisms, impartial investigations into alleged abuses and improved protection for civilians. They have also stressed the need to safeguard freedom of expression and address violations committed by both state and on-state actors.
For Somalia, the challenge extends beyond establishing institutions or adopting laws. Human rights protections must be enforced in practice, complaints must be investigated transparently, and officials or armed actors responsible for abuses must face appropriate legal consequences.
Without effective oversight and accountability, human rights defenders warn, public confidence in state institutions will remain fragile and vulnerable communities will continue to face serious risks.
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