Somalia’s Federal Parliament has approved the long-pending Sexual Offences and Misconduct Bill, a legislative measure intended to strengthen protections for victims of sexual violence, uphold human rights and improve access to justice for survivors of abuse.
The Federal Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development welcomed the approval, describing the proposed law as an important step towards protecting human dignity and public safety, particularly for women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Minister of Family and Human Rights Development Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi praised the leadership and members of the House of the People for carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
She said the bill had undergone an extended legislative process and several stages of review before receiving parliamentary approval.
Al-Makhzoumi also acknowledged the contributions of the House of the People’s committees responsible for human rights and women’s affairs, Somali religious scholars, civil society organisations and other stakeholders who participated in consultations and discussions during the bill’s development.
The ministry emphasised that cooperation between government institutions and civil society remains essential to strengthening legislation that protects fundamental rights, promotes accountability and ensures victims can pursue justice.
The approval comes as Somalia continues to face challenges in preventing sexual and gender-based violence and ensuring that victims have access to effective legal protection and support.
The implementation of the legislation, including the ability of police, courts and relevant institutions to investigate cases and protect survivors, will be important to translating its objectives into practical safeguards.
Al-Makhzoumi said her ministry would continue working to strengthen human rights protections and advance legislation designed to safeguard the welfare, dignity and rights of Somali citizens.
Although parliamentary approval marks an important stage in the legislative process, further details about the bill’s specific provisions and the steps required before it takes effect were not included in the ministry’s announcement.