Mogadishu(SONNA)-Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre on Tuesday received in his office a high-level delegation from the United Kingdom led by the UK Human Rights Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative in Geneva, H.E. Eleanor Sanders, who arrived in Mogadishu for her first official visit.
Prime Minister Hamza congratulated the United Kingdom on its recent election to the UN Human Rights Council, noting the important role the UK has played in Somalia’s diplomatic achievements — including the lifting of the arms embargo, debt relief, and Somalia’s reinstatement to its seat at the UN Human Rights Council.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed the delegation on Somalia’s progress in advancing human rights, highlighting the establishment of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, recently approved by both Houses of the Federal Parliament. He emphasized that the Commission’s members were selected based on merit, expertise, and experience.
Ambassador Eleanor Sanders expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and commended the strong collaboration between the UK and Somalia. She praised Somalia’s tangible progress on human rights, noting in particular the significance of establishing the National Human Rights Commission.
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Sanders also held a meeting with the Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, H.E. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhsoumi. The Minister stated that she welcomed the UK delegation on their first visit to Mogadishu, adding that their discussions focused on Somalia’s human rights advancements — including the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, which received strong commendation from the UK.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister Hamza, accompanied by Minister Khadija, presented Ambassador Sanders with an honorary certificate recognizing the United Kingdom’s continued support and partnership in promoting human rights and strengthening national institutions in Somalia.
