Ministry of Family & Human Rights Development

The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, H.E. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, today participated in the launch ceremony of Somali Sign Language, organised by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education in Mogadishu. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting and advancing Somali Sign Language, recognising the rights, identity and specific needs of the deaf community. In her remarks, she emphasised the importance of its effective implementation and called on Somali media organisations to ensure their broadcasts are accessible to deaf people, promoting equal access to information, communication and participation in society.

The Acting Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, H.E. Mohamed Osman Omar (Naastaro), today received the Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen to Somalia, H.E. Fadel Ali Ahmed Al-Hanak, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Somalia and Yemen, particularly in family affairs, social development, and human rights, with emphasis on protecting the rights of women, children, and vulnerable families. The Acting Minister thanked the Ambassador for his visit and reaffirmed the Federal Government of Somalia’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships in advancing human rights and social welfare.

The Ministry of Family Affairs and Human Rights Development has concluded a week-long study visit in Kigali, Rwanda, focused on child care reform, held from 26–30 October 2026 and organized by SOS Rwanda. Led by Deputy Minister Ms. Maryan Ali Abukar, the delegation included the Director General, Mr. Mohamed Bashir Omar, and other senior Ministry officials, alongside representatives from SOS Somalia and SOS Kenya. The visit provided valuable insights into strengthening families, preventing child-family separation, promoting family- and community-based care, and integrating child protection, education, and social support services. The Ministry will apply these lessons to strengthen Somalia’s National Child Care Reform Plan, ensuring alignment with the country’s context and federal system.

The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, H.E. Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, today received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Somalia, H.E. Ambassador Salim bin Habeeb Salam Al Omeraye, at her office. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Somalia and Oman, particularly in women’s empowerment, child protection, and the promotion and protection of human rights. The Minister briefed the Ambassador on the Federal Government of Somalia’s ongoing efforts to advance women’s rights and strengthen the national human rights framework. Both sides discussed opportunities to further enhance cooperation in these priority areas.

The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, H.E. Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, conducted a working visit to the newly opened Office of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Mogadishu to assess progress in implementing Somalia’s Human Rights Transition Plan in line with agreed priorities. During the visit, the Minister and Ministry representatives received a briefing from OHCHR staff on implementation progress, priority tasks, and areas requiring accelerated action to advance human rights in Somalia. The establishment of the OHCHR office in Mogadishu reflects the Federal Government of Somalia’s commitment to strengthening national ownership of human rights protection and promotion. The Ministry remains committed to working closely with OHCHR to advance the implementation of the Transition Plan and strengthen Somalia’s national human rights framework.

Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Women Continues Third Day of Consultations in Mogadishu Mogadishu, Somalia – The Director General of the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, Mr. Mohamed Bashir Omar, participated in the third day of consultations convened by the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Women. The discussions focused on reviewing three key draft bills concerning the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Family Affairs, and Child Affairs, as part of joint efforts to strengthen legal protections and promote the rights and welfare of women, children, and families in Somalia.

Minister of Family and Human Rights Development Receives SOS Children’s Villages Norway Delegation Mogadishu, 21 October 2026 – Minister Amb. @KhadijaMakhzumi received a delegation from SOS Children’s Villages Norway, led by Secretary General Sissel Aarak, to discuss child protection, family welfare, and strengthened cooperation. The delegation also visited the National Child Helpline (116) Centre to learn about its child protection and support services.

The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development held a National Consultation on Ending Violence Against Children, ahead of the Second Global Ministerial Conference in Manila, Philippines, in November 2026. The Ministry’s Director General, Mr. Mohamed Bashir Omar, officially opened the consultation, emphasizing the importance of reviewing Somalia’s previous commitments, assessing progress and challenges, and strengthening child protection through inclusive and actionable commitments.

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Director General of the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, Mr. Mohamed Bashir Omar, officially closed a workshop on Cultural Rights, aimed at promoting cultural diversity, inclusion, and equal participation in cultural life. The workshop brought together marginalized communities, persons with disabilities, minority groups, and civil society representatives to share their cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and experiences of discrimination. In his closing remarks, the Director General reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to preserving Somalia’s rich cultural heritage, supporting traditional artisans, and combating discrimination and social exclusion.

The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Amb. @KhadijaMakhzumi , presented the Bill on the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia for consideration and deliberation. The Minister highlighted the serious physical and psychological harm caused by FGM and emphasized the importance of strengthening legal protections to safeguard the rights, health, and dignity of Somali women and girls.

Today, 14 October 2026, the Gender and Human Rights Advisory Council convened its quarterly meeting to review legislative progress, strengthen accountability, and advance human rights priorities in Somalia. Discussions highlighted protection of civilians, inclusion of marginalised communities, implementation of UPR recommendations, and stronger institutional coordination. A constructive and fruitful meeting reaffirming our collective commitment to human rights, justice, protection, and leaving no one behind. @SwedeninSomalia @Canada #HumanRights #GenderEquality #Somalia

Somalia’s Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, welcomed the House of the People’s approval of the Rape and Indecency Bill, thanking Parliament and all stakeholders for their contributions. The Minister described the approval as a significant step towards protecting women and children, safeguarding human dignity, strengthening access to justice, and upholding human rights in Somalia.

Government and Civil Society Consultation on Human Rights MOGADISHU — The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development convened government institutions and civil society organizations under the Joint Programme on Human Rights (Phase III) to strengthen collaboration and advance human rights protection. Director General Mohamed Bashir Omar highlighted progress in establishing the National Human Rights Commission and advancing legal reforms, emphasizing the importance of government–civil society cooperation in safeguarding human rights.

🎥 This video highlights Somalia’s successful presentation of its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report, reflecting the Federal Government’s progress in advancing human rights, particularly the restoration of the independence of the country’s national human rights institution a year ago. The international community has commended Somalia’s efforts to strengthen human rights protection and accountability.

The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development has released its Monthly Newsletter for September 2026. This edition covers Somalia's acceptance of 260 UPR recommendations at the Human Rights Council, the Minister's participation alongside H.E. the President at UNGA81, our work for women's and children's rights at home, and the latest update from the 116 National Emergency Hotline. Read and download the full newsletter: drive.google.com/file/d/1-Jp… #Somalia #HumanRights #MoFHRD #Helpline116

The Deputy Minister of Family and Human Rights Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Maryan Ali Abukar, today attended the launch of the Banaadir Business Expo 2026, officially inaugurated by H.E. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. The Deputy Minister toured the exhibition, commending Somali women and youth showcasing their businesses, products, and innovations, and their contributions to economic growth, job creation, and community development. She emphasized the importance of expanding economic opportunities for women and youth, while supporting small businesses and innovation that strengthen the self-reliance of Somali families. The Ministry remains committed to advancing the economic empowerment of women and youth, protecting their right to development, and supporting efforts to build resilient Somali families.

At a high-level side event during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, H.E. Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, highlighted Somalia’s human rights transition and progress in strengthening national institutions. The Minister underscored Somalia’s renewed engagement with UN human rights mechanisms after more than three decades, the importance of Resolution 60/28, and the accelerated establishment of the OHCHR office in Mogadishu. She reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to national ownership, accountability and continued international cooperation in advancing and protecting human rights.

GENEVA — H.E. Amb. @KhadijaMakhzumi , Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, met with Ms. Awa Dabo, Deputy UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Somalia and OHCHR in advancing and protecting human rights. Discussions also focused on efforts to establish an OHCHR presence in Somalia, strengthen national institutions, and expand technical cooperation. The Minister was joined by Director General Mohamed Bashir Omar and senior Ministry officials and advisers.