The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has raised concerns over the recent rise in civilian casualties in Somalia.
According to Türk, the recent attacks on civilians by armed groups have already exacerbated the country’s grim human rights and humanitarian situation.
UN figures show that at least 613 civilians have been killed and 948 injured so far this year, making it the highest number since 2017 and more than a 30 percent rise from last year’s figures.
While drought and looming hunger are the major causes of internal displacement in Somalia, the revival of armed conflict between the federal government, Al-Shabaab, and clan militias has also led to an upsurge in displacement.
In September, 101,000 people were newly displaced due to conflict and insecurity, according to data from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
‘This year has brought an abrupt halt to a general decline in deaths and injuries documented since 2017’, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHA) quoted Türk as saying.
‘I am deeply concerned that more Somalis continue to lose their lives on a daily basis.
‘All parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure that civilians are protected. This also includes armed elements engaged alongside the Government in the conflict against Al-Shabaab, as well as international forces’.
Türk further urged the government of Somalia to take all necessary steps, in cooperation with the international community, to strengthen the protection of civilians in line with international human rights norms and standards and international humanitarian law.
Photo source: OCHA