Speech

52nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Somalia

Statement by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, at Somalia's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders
• Published: 8 May 2026

• Location: Geneva
• Delivered on: 8 May 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The UK commends Somalia for its engagement with the UN human rights system. We recognise the progress Somalia has made by establishing a National Independent Human Rights Commission.

We remain deeply concerned about reported differentiation of the age of “responsibility” and the age of “maturity”. It is essential that the rights of children, individuals below the age of 18, are protected. 

We remain concerned at the ongoing loss of civilian life due to conflict and insecurity, continuing cases of sexual and gender-based violence, and restrictions on freedom of expression, including the detention of journalists.

We recommend:

1. Prioritising protecting the rights of children, protecting the rights of all individuals under the age of 18.

2. Ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and undertaking its swift implementation.

3. Ensuring freedom of speech and strong protections for journalists operating in Somalia.

Thank you.

Published 8 May 2026