Alert Bangladesh: Prominent defenders receive two-year prison sentences
Omct individual regions map africa 01 01
CAT status Status under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment State Party since 24 January, 1990
Last Reviewed 2022 Read review

Somalia

At a glance

The ongoing conflict in Somalia keeps seeing a total breach of international human rights and humanitarian law, with devastating consequences on civilians. There are many deaths and injuries, both due to inter-clan violence and as a result of the excessive use of force by security bodies against protesters. Journalists and critics are beaten, harassed, threatened and subjected to arbitrary arrests by the authorities, who also restrict access to information and suppress media freedom. Somalia has the poorest record worldwide for prosecuting individuals suspected of murdering journalists. The climate of impunity also has dramatic consequences on the protection of women and girls against gender-based violence, which is widespread. Additionally, the combination of fighting and drought have left over two million people displaced, who risk exploitation and abuse, including sexual violence and forced evictions. Women and children in camps for the internally displaced are particularly vulnerable to abuse, marginalization and exclusion.

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