Sexual violence in Somalia: Resolution 1820 and Women’s Bar Associations
By Alison Davidian, UNDP Somalia

Somalia has been in a state of war for over 18 years. In conflict and post-conflict countries such as Somalia where structures for the administration of justice have collapsed, the human rights of vulnerable groups such as women and children are even more subject to abuse. One of the major human rights violations perpetrated in Somalia is sexual violence against women. It is an endemic problem that must be tackled at a number of levels: legal, political and social.

UNDP has supported the efforts in South Central Somalia and Somaliland of two women’s bar associations that campaign to protect and promote the rights of women in war-affected areas—guaranteed by UN Security Council Resolution 1820—as well as provide technical support to female lawyers.

The Association of Somali Women Lawyers (ASWL), based in Mogadishu, works in concert with the Coalition for Grassroots Women’s Organizations (COGWO), an association of 30 women’s groups that has been operating in Mogadishu for more than a decade. Since activities started last December, these two organizations have already started to have an impact. They have provided legal assistance and representation for an estimated 100 individuals from vulnerable groups detained in Mogadishu Central Prison or police custody without trial, with a number of cases resulting in detainees’ release. Many were freed on account of lack of evidence. Additionally, COGWO has trained 40 law enforcement personnel in human rights issues.

UNDP has also been active in Somaliland by supporting the launch of the Somaliland Women Lawyers Association (SWLA) in Hargeisa in 2008. The SWLA is the first and only women’s bar association in Somaliland. It has been raising awareness on issues affecting women’s access to justice, and has recently conducted workshops with justice actors on gender-based violence. At present, there are only six female practicing lawyers in Somaliland. They will be joined soon by another dozen recently graduated from the University of Hargeisa. The SWLA is enhancing the skills of female lawyers in Somaliland through the creation of an internship program placing recent female graduates in law firms and government ministries.

UNDP is committed to the realization of UNSC Resolution 1820 and will continue to support and strengthen these women’s organizations to scale up legal assistance for survivors of sexual violence and vulnerable groups in Somalia. CPR

Photo credit: IRIN Photo/Manoocher/Somalia

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In this Issue

> Fighting impunity: DRC
> Gender-Based Violence in Kosovo
> Sexual violence in Liberia
> Sexual Violence in Somalia
> Access to justice in Sri Lanka

Quick Links

Rule of Law in Conflict and Post-conflict Situations

Learn more about UNDP Rule of Law initiatives in Strengthening the Rule of Law in Conflict/Post-Conflict Situations: Global Programme 2008-2011 (pdf).

Gender and crisis

Donor proposal on Women and Girls in Crisis (pdf)