If enacted, this bill would represent a major setback in the fight against sexual violence in Somalia and globally. Already, Somalia has the tenth highest prevalence rate of child marriage in the world. According to UN figures, 45% of girls are married before they turn 18, whilst 98% have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). Moreover, this bill would undermine efforts carried out over the past years to ensure greater protection for women and girls. Earlier on August 10th, 2020, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet urged the Somali Government called the Somali authorities to enact the 2018 Sexual Offenses Bill and to eliminate gender stereotypes and harmful practices that disproportionately negative impact on women and girls. Finally, she may send a worrying signal for other states in the region. Please click here to read the full DCI-SOMALIA STATEMENT.
