52nd SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP
Statement Norway
on the on the human rights situation in Somalia
delivered by Ms Eli Marie Smedsrud,
First Secretary, Human Rights
Check against delivery
8 May 2026
Vice-President
Norway welcomes Somalia’s establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and underscores the importance of ensuring its independence and adequate resources. We remain concerned about the overall human rights situation, including ongoing insecurity and limited access to justice.
Norway recommends that Somalia:
1.Establish a moratorium on the use of death penalty with a view to its abolition.
2.Ensure harmonization of the legal definition of a child as any person below 18 years of age, in line with international standards.
3.Accelerate ratification of CEDAW and finalize national legislation that prevent and combat GBV and SGBV, including female genital mutilation and child and forced marriage.
4.Ensure women’s equal participation in political and public life,
including through effective implementation of the 30% quota in political elections.
5.Protect human right defenders, journalists and media, and ensure that criminal and media laws are not used to criminalize freedom of expression and dissent.
Thank you.