Somalia’s government has held talks with the United Nations on the conclusion of a transitional mission that has been supporting the country’s justice institutions, with discussions focusing on the progress made and the work that remains to be done.
Somalia’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moallim Mohamud, met a United Nations delegation led by Nasrin Khan, the Head of Rule of Law and Security Institutions at the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).
The meeting took place at the minister’s office and was also attended by Major General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud, Commander of the Somali Custodial Corps, which oversees the country’s custodial services.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the discussions centred on the conclusion of UNTMIS and its support for the country’s justice system, including institutions responsible for correctional services.
The meeting comes as Somalia and the United Nations discuss the end of the transitional mission and the work needed to sustain progress in strengthening the country’s justice institutions.
What the UN mission has been doing in Somalia
UNTMIS is a United Nations mission established to support Somalia as the country continues rebuilding its institutions after decades of conflict and political instability.
Its work has included supporting the rule of law, strengthening government institutions and assisting reforms intended to improve the administration of justice.
In simple terms, this involves helping Somali institutions develop the laws, policies and systems needed to carry out their responsibilities, while supporting efforts to make the justice system function more effectively.
The mission has also supported work involving correctional services, which cover the management of prisons and the treatment and rehabilitation of people held in custody.
These institutions form an important part of the justice system. While police investigate crimes and courts determine cases, correctional services are responsible for managing people held in custody and carrying out relevant sentences.
The UN’s support has therefore extended beyond the courts to institutions responsible for implementing parts of the justice process.
Somalia thanks UN
During the meeting, Minister Hassan Moallim Mohamud thanked the UN mission for its assistance, particularly in building the capacity of justice institutions, developing legislation and policies, and supporting reforms to correctional services.
Institutional capacity-building generally involves helping government agencies improve the skills, procedures and resources needed to perform their duties.
In Somalia’s justice sector, this work can include strengthening the ability of institutions to implement laws, improve administration and manage correctional facilities.
The minister said Somalia’s justice institutions would continue working to strengthen the justice system and correctional services, building on the progress made during the mission.
His remarks highlighted the government’s intention to continue the reform process as UNTMIS approaches its conclusion.
What happens after the mission ends?
One of the key issues raised by the meeting is how Somalia will sustain the work supported by the United Nations after the transitional mission concludes.
The justice system depends on institutions being able to carry out their responsibilities consistently, from implementing laws and managing court processes to operating correctional facilities.
Continuing reforms requires trained personnel, effective administration, clear policies and resources to put those policies into practice.