By Goth Mohamed Goth
Somaliland civil society’s organisations, human rights and youth groups on Sunday held a press conference critical of the reintroduction by House of Representative of another rape and sexual offences draft law different from the previously approved.
Ms Sarah Abdi Hassan speaking during the joint press conference said, “That the new Somaliland rape and sexual offence draft law which was circulated to members of parliament contains substantive and procedural provisions “which grossly contravene human rights law and standards, and which would represent a major setback in the fight against sexual violence in Somaliland.
“The new draft law includes flawed definitions of offences, a lack of clearly defined terms, as well as inadequate protection of victims, witnesses and accused,” she said.
She added that the Somaliland Police recently revealed that more than 10 rape cases are reported every day…”, 300 rape cases per month, 3600 rape cases per year, just one region! SL Gov’t should implement the previously approved Sexual Offences Law.
Finally, we urge members of parliament to reject the new draft and instead implement the previously approved law.
