By Caroline Adriaensen

Good afternoon. Honourable representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, the Attorney General's Offices, our implementing partners, distinguished guests, mentors, and above all, the 34 young women who are joining this internship programme today.

It is a pleasure to be here as we mark another important milestone in the European Union's partnership with Somalia's justice sector.

First, congratulations to each one of you. You have earned your place here through hard work, determination, and academic excellence. Today's ceremony is not simply the start of an internship—it is the beginning of a new chapter in your professional journey.

The European Union has long believed that strengthening the rule of law is about more than constructing court buildings or supporting institutions. It is equally about investing in people. Sustainable justice reform depends on capable, ethical, and committed professionals who will serve the public with integrity.

That is why the Joint Justice and Corrections Programme (JJCP) has invested not only in justice institutions, but also in developing the next generation of Somali legal professionals. Many of you first received EU-supported scholarships to pursue your legal education. Today, we are proud to support your transition from the classroom to the workplace.

This internship programme is especially meaningful because it focuses on talented young women. Around the world, justice systems are strongest when they reflect the diversity of the societies they serve. Increasing the participation of women in legal professions is not only a question of equality—it strengthens decision-making, broadens perspectives, and improves access to justice for all citizens.

Over the coming months, you will be working in the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, and the Attorney General's Offices. You will gain practical experience, learn from experienced professionals, and contribute to institutions that are central to Somalia's peace, stability, and development.

I encourage you to approach this opportunity with curiosity, humility, and professionalism. Ask questions. Learn from your supervisors. Be punctual. Be ethical. Remember that every file you handle, every legal opinion you assist with, and every citizen you serve represents an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in justice.

To the host institutions and mentors, I would also like to express our appreciation. Thank you for opening your doors and committing your time to guide these future professionals. Your mentorship will shape not only individual careers but also the future capacity of Somalia's justice sector.

The European Union remains a committed partner to Somalia. Through programmes such as the Joint Justice and Corrections Programme, we will continue working alongside Somali institutions to build a justice system that is accessible, accountable, inclusive, and trusted by its citizens.

To our interns, I hope that when this programme concludes, you will leave with greater confidence, practical skills, and an even stronger commitment to public service. We also hope many of you will go on to become judges, prosecutors, legal advisers, advocates, policymakers, and leaders who will continue driving Somalia's legal and institutional development for many years to come.

Congratulations once again on this achievement. We wish you every success in the months ahead and look forward to seeing the impact you will make.

Thank you, and I wish you all a productive and inspiring internship.

This speech was delivered by Caroline Adriaensen, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Somalia at the launch of the National Women Internship Programme, held on 22 July 2026 in Mogadishu. The programme is implemented under the Joint Justice and Corrections Programme (JJCP) 2023–2027, a joint initiative of UNDP, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States. With a total budget of US$16.3 million, to which EU contributed with EUR 8 million (USD 8.8 million) through the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF), the programme supports the development of a Somali-owned, people-centred justice and corrections system. It aims to strengthen public trust in justice institutions, promote integration between formal and community-based justice mechanisms, and improve equitable access to justice for women, young people, minority communities and other vulnerable groups across Somalia.