UPR Sexual Rights Database

UN Compilation:
Para 47) The Independent Expert noted that Somalia continued to have the lowest school enrolment rates in the world and a particularly weak education system. Inadequate investment and discrimination limited access to education for women, girls, internally displaced persons, refugees and persons with disabilities. Despite programmes to improve school management systems, the capacity of teachers and school feeding programmes to increase enrolment and retention of girls in schools, there continued to be a disparity in school attendance between boys and girls, due to the ongoing conflict situation, the lack of safety for girls, and harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation and early and/or forced marriage. Girls with disabilities, girls in farming and nomadic communities in rural and remote areas, pregnant girls and girls in camps for internally displaced persons and refugees faced compounded forms of discrimination.

Stakeholder Summary:
Para 16) JS6 observed that Somalia did not have a comprehensive legal framework that addressed the rights of women and children. The National Development Plan (2017-2019) proposed the development of a National Children's Policy and Act drawing on Somalia's international obligations. In accordance with this plan, in 2017-2019, the government launched a number of policies such as the ratification of the African Charter, the FGM Bill, the Disability Act, the Somali Sexual Offences Bill, the Child Rights Bill and the Juvenile Justice Bill. However, JS6 noted that, to date, many of these policies are drafts and not enacted or implemented by the State.
Para 17) JS4 noted that since nationality in Somalia was transferred through the patriarchal line, women’s equal citizenship and equality in the family was undermined, as well as that of their children.

National Report:
Para 38) A major milestone is that Somalia has ratified the CRC and that MWHR is working on implementing this treaty.