Mogadishu (Kaab TV) — Somalia’s Ministry of Justice and the Human Rights Commission held discussions on prison conditions and the rights of detainees, the ministry said Monday.

The meeting between Justice Minister Hassan Moalim Mahmoud and Human Rights Commission Chairperson Qasim Ahmed took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu.

According to a statement, the talks focused on strengthening strategic cooperation between the ministry and the commission to promote and protect human rights.

The two officials also addressed prison conditions, measures to improve safeguards for detainees, and ways to strengthen the justice system for vulnerable groups, including children in conflict with the law.

Somalia does not have a single unified official figure for its prison population, with data varying across institutions. However, estimates from international organizations between 2018 and 2022 suggest that the number of detainees may reach tens of thousands nationwide. This reflects ongoing challenges related to fragmented record-keeping and differences between federal and regional detention facilities.

Both sides emphasized the importance of improving coordination among government institutions to ensure the justice system aligns with national and international human rights standards.

The officials also agreed to increase prison monitoring and implement joint programs aimed at building a justice system that upholds human dignity and rights.