Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

Sous-comité des droits internationaux de la personne du Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international

For immediate release

Ottawa, November 09, 2017 -

In October 2017, al-Shabaab orchestrated two bombings that took the lives of hundreds of Somali civilians in Mogadishu, and injured hundreds more. The October 14th 2017 bombing alone was the most lethal terrorist attack in recent memory, killing at least 358 people. The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (the Subcommittee on International Human Rights) extends its deepest sympathies to the families of victims and condemns these reprehensible acts of terrorism in the strongest terms.

On November 8th and November 9th 2017, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights held two meetings to raise awareness about the plight of Somali civilians, who face profound and persistent insecurity and who are increasingly suffering at the hands of not only al-Shabaab, but also clan militias, and undisciplined state security forces.

Al-Shabaab carries out grave human rights abuses, including targeted killings and disappearances, cruel and unusual punishment, and rape. Al-Shabaab has carried out attacks against journalists, employees of non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and diplomatic missions. Clan militias, Somali security forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia are also accused of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, extortion and conducting operations without due regard to civilian life. Impunity is the norm and due process is evasive.

Al-Shabaab and other parties have looted desperately needed humanitarian aid, while Somalia faces persistent food insecurity. The Subcommittee is dismayed by the increasing use of child soldiers in this conflict and the deep insecurity felt by internally displaced persons, particularly women and children. The Subcommittee is particularly concerned about the consequences for Somali asylum-seekers as the so-called voluntarily repatriation program is carried out at the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya.

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights extends its solidarity with the people of Somalia, and urges the Canadian-Somalia diaspora to use every opportunity to establish security and justice, and to uphold human rights in Somalia. The Subcommittee is determined to advocate for the safety of human rights defenders, and for the advancement of respect for human rights and international humanitarian law in Somalia.

QUOTES

“The people of Somalia should know that they are not forgotten. The government of Somalia and international community must make every effort to protect Somalis and their human rights.”

-Michael Levitt, Chair

“While the immediate priority is to care for the victims of the October 2017 bombings in Mogadishu, the Somali government and international partners must redouble efforts to improve the security situation in Somalia for the sake of its civilians.”

-David Sweet, Vice-Chair

“Ordinary Somalis as well as human rights defenders have suffered deeply at the hands of al-Shabaab. The government of Somalia must prioritize the safety and respect for the human rights of Somalis above all.”

-Cheryl Hardcastle, Vice-Chair

“The Subcommittee on International Human Rights, along with the Canadian Somali community, will continue its support for the Somali people in their efforts to achieve long-lasting peace, security and respect for human rights.”

-Marwan Tabbara, MP