The European Union through UNDP today handed over 13 new vehicles to the Somaliland Justice Department at a ceremony in Hargeisa this morning.
According to an EU statement, the cars will also be used by election security risk assessment teams to meet with police and local communities in six regions and to monitor local election preparations and voting.
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The remaining cars will be used by justice officials to facilitate monitoring visits to regional courts and units dedicated to women and children, where female prosecutors assist those who report abuse.
Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, EU Ambassador, said the vehicles will also be used by rule of law institutions where they will help improve community policing and access to justice for the most vulnerable members of the the community such as children, internally displaced people and those affected by gender-based violence. .
“The European Union is firmly committed to supporting democracy in Somaliland. These vehicles will play a crucial role in monitoring election preparations and ensuring election security, ”said Berlanga.
Naasir Aydid Mohamed, Deputy Minister of the Interior, welcomed this donation.
“I would like to express our thanks to the EU and Sweden as well as to UNDP, UNSOM and other agencies involved in the joint rule of law program in Somaliland for helping us to make Somaliland safer. and safer, ”Mohamed said.
Simon Strachan, head of the UNSOM office, said the provision of these vehicles is part of the broader UN support to Somaliland in its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Other activities of the joint rule of law program include legal aid for women and vulnerable groups, such as children, minorities and refugees internally displaced persons; surveillance of prisons and police stations to ensure compliance with human rights standards; and building the capacity of all judicial institutions, including training and equipment,” Strachan said.
