Letter to the President of Somalia

Letter to the President of Somalia

H.E. Prof. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

The President of the Federal States of Somalia

CC:

H.E. Prof. Mohamed Osman Jawari

The Speaker of the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia

H.E. Dr. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed

The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia

Dear Mr President,

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and the brotherly people of Somalia Ramadan Kareem.

We would also like to congratulate  you on the recent anniversary of your country’s 54th year of independence and assure you of our prayers and good wishes for you and for the people of Somalia.

We express our deep appreciation for your Government's principled positions at the United Nations in Geneva, where Somalia has consistently, courageously and successfully advocated for the rights of those on the African continent who have no champion and no voice.

We would particularly like to express our deep appreciation and respect for the work of your distinguished Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, H.E. Mr. Yusuf Mohamed Ismail "Bari Bari", an exceptional and resolute diplomat whose integrity and compassion for those suffering deep injustice epitomises the best values of our continent.  Not only did he spearhead a historic resolution addressing the often severe mistreatment of Persons with Albinism; he has also played a crucial role in bringing the long-neglected case of the Eritrean people to international attention.

Through your representative in Geneva, Somalia was central to the March 2012 statement at the Human Rights Council that drew attention to the widespread and systematic abuse of human rights in Eritrea and provided the first indication to a suffering and neglected people that their plight was finally being recognised at the very highest level.  Your Government was also pivotal in ensuring the adoption by consensus of the resolution on the human rights situation in Eritrea at the 20th session of the UN Human Rights Council in July 2012, which mandated a special rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea.  Your Government’s decisive support for the second Eritrea resolution at the Human Rights Council in June 2013, which renewed and strengthened the mandate of the special rapporteur, provided a further source of reassurance for the Eritrean people. However, the skilful and courageous manner in which your nation spearheaded the 2014 resolution establishing a Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the human rights situation in Eritrea is perhaps most emblematic of your concern for the Eritrean people. In addition, unlike all previous COIs, which were passed by vote, this one was passed by consensus for the first time.  The innovative suggestion by the Somalia delegation in Geneva to combine the COI with three mechanisms, one member from the African Commission, another one from Europe and the Special Rapporteur for Eritrea, is extremely unique and commendable. Moreover, the fact that Somalia persevered in the face of severe intimidation and threats from Eritrean Government officials present in Geneva is not only testament to Ambassador Yusuf’s personal bravery, but also, to Somalia’s integrity, and it’s empathy and solidarity with the Eritrean people.

Your Excellency, Somalia has been able to undertake these remarkably ground-breaking and far-reaching initiatives due to the diligence of your extremely hard-working Ambassador.

Your Excellency, we truly believe that without your delegation’s determination, both the plight of the Eritrean people and of those suffering abuse, alienation and even death due to their Albinism would have remained insufficiently recognised or unaddressed at international level. Despite Somalia's own challenges, your country’s selfless concern for the suffering of others in the region and continent has been exemplary, inspiring and deeply moving.  We are deeply grateful, and we once again commend Somalia’s outstanding diplomacy, valour and leadership in these instances, as illustrated particularly by your formidable delegation in Geneva.

May God the Almighty bless and prosper you and your country.

Respectfully yours,

Elsa Chyrum

Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE)

Khataza Gondwe

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)