Mogadishu, 21 September 2023 – Twenty-one officers from the Somali Security Forces (SSF), have completed a Training of Trainers course on Human Rights and International Human Rights Law to support them with knowledge and skills to safeguard human rights and the protection of civilians.
The five-day training was organised by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), civilian sector coordination team in collaboration with the ATMIS Protection, Human Rights and Gender (PHRG) Cluster.
The training held in Mogadishu, was the second in a series of capacity building for personnel of the Somali National Army (SNA), the Somali Police Force (SPF), ATMIS and officials from the federal ministries of Interior, Human Rights and Security.
The inaugural session was held in the southern port city of Kismayo earlier this month.
“I would like to assure you that ATMIS remains committed to facilitating capacity building activities aimed at enhancing the protection of Human Rights in Somalia”, said the ATMIS Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka at the closing ceremony for the training.
“This training is part of efforts to address the capacity requirements of the Somali security forces in human rights and international human rights law,” he said.
While affirming ATMIS’ continued commitment to support Somalia to protect the local population from violence, Maj. Gen. Ngendabanka highlighted the crucial role of Somali Security Forces in upholding human rights while discharging their duties as enshrined in the UN Security Council Resolution 2628 (2022).
“The expectation is that after this training, all participants will share the knowledge acquired. The SNA is leading the ongoing offensive, so this training is timely,” said the ATMIS Protection Officer, Gloria Jasse.
“They will be able to support other trainers within the Somali security forces by delivering trainings, making valuable inputs in the planning processes, implementation, and after-action of all operations,” Ms. Jasse noted.
The training was in fulfilment of the African Union Compliance and Accountability Framework which provides guidance for Peace Support Operations in AU member states to adhere to international legal instruments on human rights.
Participants benefitted presentations on protection of human rights including the rights of children, women, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). They were also updated on aspects of policies, institutions, legislation and regulatory approaches with case studies on important aspects in promoting human rights and protection.
“Prior to my training, I had little experience on child and human rights protection. However, the valuable insights shared has exposed me to so much more,” said Lt. Said Abukar Hussein from the Somali National Army.
Echoing the remarks, Capt. Sahra Ali Hassan from the Somali Police Force said, “We will serve our communities better following the knowledge gained throughout this training, which is an important component of our police work.”
The training was facilitated by trainers from the ATMIS Civilian Sector Coordination team in Jubaland, the Somalia Federal Ministry of Defence, the Office of the President and the Federal Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.