— The UN Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia has urged Somalia’s central government to improve health-care services, end child marriage, and ensure journalist safety.
Isha Dyfan acknowledged the steps taken by the authorities and humanitarian partners to implement an Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan and provide food, water, and other essential items to support IDP populations in Baidoa and other areas of the country at the end of a six-day visit to the country.
The UN expert urged the international community to ensure that all children, particularly girls, have access to basic social services such as drinking water, sanitation, housing, and health care education. She also urged the government to increase funding for its health system and expand the delivery of public health services in light of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Access to health care in the country remains dangerously low,” Dyfan told journalists in Mogadishu at the conclusion of her visit on April 2.
“There is only one government hospital in Mogadishu’s capital, and people are frequently forced to seek health care at a private health facility and pay exorbitant fees for their own treatment.” Only a small percentage of the population can afford these services, resulting in high infant and maternal mortality.”
She also demanded that forced and child marriages be abolished.
Dyfan expressed concern about the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists by security personnel across the country, emphasizing the importance of upholding the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
The UN expert met with government officials, humanitarian and civil society representatives, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), and UN agencies, funds, and programs.