(25-10-23, MOGADISHU) — U.S. Senior Adviser for African Affairs, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, expressed grave concerns about Somalia’s deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situations. The ambassador made her statement on Tuesday during the UN’s Third Committee Interactive Dialogue, focusing on human rights in Somalia.
Ambassador Leonard pointed out that more than half of Somalia’s population—over eight million people—are in need of humanitarian assistance. Natural calamities like droughts, floods, and locust invasions, which are exacerbated by climate change, have led to the internal displacement of over 2.6 million Somalis.
The U.S. diplomat also emphasised the significant vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in Somalia. According to Leonard, over 1.2 million lack access to vital services to address gender-based violence. She acknowledged the Somali government’s efforts in increasing its health budget but called for intensified measures in this critical domain.
Furthermore, Leonard brought attention to the declining state of press freedom in Somalia. She cited instances of arbitrary detention of journalists and media workers. The ambassador urged both Somali authorities and those in the autonomous region of Somaliland to lift restrictions on press freedom, terming it as crucial for democratic governance.
Halqabsi News
