MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – On International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, UN calls for greater protection from sexual violence of all Somalis.
But the country has not adopted two vital laws to strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence.
This means rape will be normal in the country.
In a statement On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations in Somalia today called for enhancing the legal protection of all Somalis from sexual violence.
“The severe drought that has affected Somalia for the last five years, coupled with the ongoing conflict, has exposed women and girls to increased risks of sexual violence – the adoption of laws that reinforce the legal protection of all people, especially women and girls, from sexual violence will help make a difference,” said the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing.
Rape and other forms of sexual violence have long been part of the multitude of human rights abuses committed by different actors in Somalia, during more than two decades of conflict.
Prosecutions and convictions for rape and other forms of sexual violence are rare in Somalia, where survivors not only experience fear and shame in reporting such crimes, but at times face greater abuse and stigmatisation if they do report the attack.
The inability and unwillingness of the Somali authorities to impartially investigate cases of sexual violence and bring perpetrators to justice leaves survivors further isolated.
Local human rights groups say this remains as a major factor contributing to a pervasive climate of impunity in which perpetrators know that they can commit such crimes and get away with it.
Somali government is yet to adopt a law to strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence.
The federal parliament failed to pass the Sexual Offences and the Female Genital Mutilation bills.
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on 19 June, with the date marking the Security Council’s adoption of a resolution recognizing sexual violence as a weapon of war and a threat to international peace and security.
The aim of the Day is to remind the world of the collective responsibility to prevent and end sexual violence in conflict, and to uphold the dignity and human rights of everyone.