Mogadishu - April 20th, 2016;The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, received in his office in Mogadishu the Independent Expert (IE) on the Human Rights Situation in Somalia, Mr. Bahame Tom Nyanduga

Ambassador Madeira and the Independent Human Rights Expert (IE) discussed a wide range of issues including action taken by AMISOM to ensure compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and respect of Human Rights in AMISOM's conduct of military operations in Somalia.

The Independent Expert (IE) commended AMISOM for its role in restoring security in Somalia and urged the mission to ensure continued compliance with applicable IHL obligations including Human Rights Due Diligence Policies (HRDDP).

The AU Special Representative noted that the recovery of more areas from terrorists by AMISOM and Somali National Army (SNA) has created more space for state formation, promotion and protection of Human Rights and humanitarian access. Ambassador Madeira further observed that the situation has also enabled Somalia to take various measures to promote human rights, including legislative measures to strengthen the institutions that play a key role in human rights promotion and protection and to enact rights-based national policies and strategies.

"As we reported during your visit on 29 May 2015, AMISOM continues to train its forces in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Human Rights and undergo constant in-mission training designed to maximize compliance with the rules governing the conduct of AMISOM operations including the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy”, he added.

Ambassador Madeira emphasised that the protection of civilians is at the heart of AMISOM and the inviolability of civilian lives is sacrosanct in AMISOM's operations. He said that AMISOM applies an Indirect Fire Policy which is aimed at minimizing the impact of civilian casualties during military operations and a mission-wide protection of civilian strategy.

"We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that perpetrators of IHL violations are held fully accountable.” Said Ambassador Madeira.

The Independent Human Rights Expert, Mr. Bahame Nyanduga who was on his second visit to Somalia to assess the human rights situation, also met with representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia. He is expected to report his findings to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, in September 2016.

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