Geneva - Somalia is the scene of one of the worst
humanitarian crises in the world and its citizens have been victims
'of most terrible human rights and humanitarian law abuses,' the
United Nations expert on the east African country said Wednesday.
Shamsul Bari, addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, said
a third of the 9 million Somalis have become refugees and 1 million
have been internally displaced due to the almost unabated violence
that has plagued their country in the past two decades.
'Those who cannot afford to leave, suffer one of the most
precarious existences I have witnessed in my many years of work,'
said Bari, adding that Somalis 'have to live in constant fear for
their lives.'
The UN refugee agency reported this week that the number of
Somalis seeking asylum in 2008 rose by 77 per cent over the previous
year. Many have taken a dangerous journey by sea, in unsafe and
overcrowded boats, to Yemen.
He said children had barely a hope of getting any formal
education, food was scarce, international aid was subject to
pilferage and medical services were out of reach for many.
'On top of this, there are unscrupulous traders who exploit the
plight of the people for personal gain,' Bari said, calling Somalia
the world's forgotten crisis.
He noted also the abduction and killing of human rights activists,
aid workers and journalists.
There was, however, 'a new momentum' for 'lasting peace and
security' in what many consider to be the world's most fragile
nation, Bari said, with the recent peace deal hammered out in
Djibouti and the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops.
'Ethiopia's withdrawal deprives the militant Islamist
liberationists of their national appeal,' said Bari, referring to
groups who have gain power and influence in the past few years,
particularly since the foreign troops entered Somalia.
Ethiopia said in response that its troops did not violate human
rights and it stood behind the invasion.
Earlier this year, a vote was held within an extended transitional
parliament and a former opposition leader from the Islamists was
appointed president of Somalia.
Bari stressed that the ability to capitalize on the window of
opportunity would depend in a large part on the international
community's commitment to Somalia, including sending peacekeeping
forces and strengthening the government and national institutions.
Human rights, he said, should be integrated into the peace process
and the institution building.
The special expert also suggested holding a conference to look
into 'harmonization' of Islamic law or sharia and human rights law.
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