Rape is normal in Somalia, as state fails to pass laws that protect women and girls

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Rape is normal in Somalia, as state fails to pass laws that protect women and girls

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations (UN) has called for increased protection against sexual violence for all Somalis.

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Women in a displacement camp in Kismayo.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations (UN) has called for increased protection against sexual violence for all Somalis.

However, Somalia is yet to adopt two crucial laws that would strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence, leaving the women and girls in the country vulnerable to continued sexual attacks.

The severe drought and ongoing conflict in Somalia over the past five years have exposed women and girls to heightened risks of sexual violence. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing, emphasized the urgent need for laws that reinforce the legal protection of all individuals, particularly women and girls, from sexual violence.

"Somalia is yet to adopt a law to strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence. Such a law will be a critical step towards ensuring that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Somalia receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable," the UNSOM said in a statement said.

Despite these pressing concerns, Somalia has not yet enacted legislation to enhance the legal framework for prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence. The adoption of such a law is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that survivors of sexual violence receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable.

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on June 19th, commemorating 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 objective of this day is to remind the world of the collective responsibility to prevent and end sexual violence in conflict, while upholding the dignity and human rights of all individuals.