The Voice of Somaliland Minority Women Organization (VOSOMWO), in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and with support from the German Government through BMZ, successfully conducted a two-day workshop in Hargeisa aimed at establishing national and regional committees to advocate for the rights of minority and marginalized communities in Somaliland.
The workshop was organized under the project “Advancing Minority Rights for Equal Access and Opportunities for Minority Communities in Somaliland,” which seeks to promote equality, social inclusion, and improved access to opportunities for minority groups.
The event brought together government officials, religious leaders, parliamentarians, heads of institutions, academics, human rights advocates, and representatives of civil society organizations. Participants expressed their commitment to supporting minority communities and promoting equal rights, justice, and meaningful participation in society.
The workshop was officially opened by the Executive Director of VOSOMWO, Ms. Hibak Ahmed Hassan, who highlighted the importance of ensuring that minority communities enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms. She emphasized the need to strengthen the voice, representation, and participation of minority groups in all aspects of social, economic, and political life. She noted that the workshop represents an important step toward raising awareness and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of WHH, Mr. Khalid commended VOSOMWO for its dedication and long-standing efforts in advocating for minority rights. He stated that VOSOMWO was selected to implement the project because of its strong commitment and visible impact within minority communities. He congratulated both the organization and the beneficiaries of the project.
Veteran journalist and human rights advocate Mr. Mohamed Hassan Ali Waji also addressed the workshop, speaking extensively about the historical challenges, discrimination, and exclusion faced by minority communities. He called for justice, equal opportunities, and greater social inclusion.
The Head of the NOW National Office, Ms. Safiya, encouraged participants to promote unity, cooperation, and development within their communities, emphasizing that minority groups deserve continued support and empowerment.
The Chairperson of Burco University Centre, Ms. Faadumo, highlighted the transformative role of education in social and economic development. She encouraged young people and women to pursue educational opportunities as a pathway to a brighter future.
Parliamentarian Mr. Said Codhay stressed that all citizens are equal and should enjoy the same rights and opportunities regardless of their social background, clan affiliation, or ethnicity.
The Secretary of Sahil Region, Mr. Nuux, discussed the importance of creating employment and development opportunities for minority communities. He noted ongoing efforts within the region to increase the participation of minority groups in employment and public services and expressed the government’s commitment to strengthening these efforts.
Important remarks were also delivered by Guurti Member Mr. Said, who emphasized the importance of social cohesion, community solidarity, and the protection of minority rights.
Representing youth voices, Ms. Fadhiya from WAABO highlighted the critical role of young people and women in promoting community development and protecting the rights of marginalized groups. She called for greater recognition of minority voices and increased participation in decision-making processes.
The Director General of the Ministry of Information, Mr. Abdisaalan, praised VOSOMWO for its long-standing efforts to defend and promote the rights of minority communities across Somaliland.
Similarly, the Director General of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Abdi, spoke about the importance of equal access to justice and the role of legal institutions in protecting the rights of all citizens without discrimination. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring fairness, equality, and legal protection for all communities.
The Human Rights Commissioner, Mr. Mohamed Baruud Ali, also addressed the workshop, underscoring the importance of protecting human rights and promoting equality, justice, and dignity for all members of society.
One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the establishment of national and regional activist and volunteer committees that will serve as advocacy groups to promote minority rights, strengthen community engagement, and support efforts toward equal access and opportunities throughout Somaliland.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from participants and stakeholders to work together in advancing minority rights, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring that no community is left behind in Somaliland’s development process#VOSOMWO #WHH #BMZ #MinorityRights #HumanRights #SocialInclusion #Equality #Advocacy
