On December 10, 2024, Mogadishu became a vibrant stage for the ongoing battle for human rights, where activists, community leaders, and government officials came together to observe International Human Rights Day. The event was not only a solemn remembrance of the global fight for freedom, but also a bold declaration of the work yet to be done in Somalia, a country rife with systemic inequalities and human rights violations. The central theme of the day was the launch of the #Baraarug (#WakeUp) Campaign, an initiative spearheaded by the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) with a vision to amplify marginalized voices and foster inclusivity in a fractured society.
The ceremony opened with a stirring poem by Fartun Ahmed Mohamed, a young Somali poet, whose words resonated deeply with those gathered. Her verses painted a world where truth is freely spoken, where leaders are chosen for their merit, and where women are empowered to sit at decision-making tables. Fartun’s impassioned plea for dignity and equality struck a chord with the audience, among them Mohamud Muse, a clan elder from the Yibir community—the subject of decades of discrimination and marginalization.
“I want to blame the media and religious groups for not doing enough to raise awareness of our plight,” Muse said, his voice trembling with emotion. “Entire communities have their rights ignored and rejected. This denial is a deep wound.” His words echoed the painful reality for the Yibir, an artisan community whose skilled labor is integral to Somali society, yet they face systemic exclusion, including bans on intermarriage and widespread denial of their rights. The plight of the Yibir highlights the deep-rooted ethnic and clan-based divisions that continue to shape Somalia’s human rights landscape.
In the backdrop of this poignant moment, the launch of the #Baraarug Campaign took center stage, signaling a new chapter in the fight for justice and equality. The campaign, a direct response to systemic discrimination, seeks to mobilize Somali society to stand against human rights abuses and to empower marginalized communities. General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, voiced strong support for the initiative, invoking the country’s cultural values of protecting vulnerable groups, even in times of clan conflict. “Human rights are deeply rooted in our Somali culture and Islamic principles,” he declared. “This campaign is a wake-up call to uphold those values and address abuses against women, journalists, and minorities.”
However, despite the strong rhetoric, the conversation quickly shifted to the broader, unresolved issues that plague Somalia’s human rights infrastructure. Diini Mohamed Diini, former Chairperson of Somali Non-State Actors, voiced frustration over the slow progress in establishing key constitutional safeguards, such as an independent judicial service commission and a constitutional court. “Since 2012, essential institutions meant to protect citizens’ rights have been obstructed. Without these mechanisms, violations go unchecked,” Diini lamented. This critique underscores a larger issue: Somalia’s inability to implement its own laws and create institutions that can safeguard its citizens from abuse.
The country’s ongoing struggles are felt most acutely by its women and youth, who make up the majority of the population but remain disproportionately affected by harmful cultural practices and systemic neglect. Duniya Mohamed Ali, Chairwoman of the Somali Women Education Centre, highlighted the deeply ingrained misogyny that hampers women’s progress. “In the Maay language spoken in the Juba area, there’s a saying that a 50-year-old woman should be treated like a donkey to ensure obedience,” she noted. “Such beliefs degrade women and hinder their political representation.” For women like Duniya, this is not just a cultural issue but a barrier to true political empowerment, which is essential to breaking the cycle of oppression.
Yet the #Baraarug Campaign offers a glimmer of hope. According to Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary General of SJS, the initiative is not merely about raising awareness but about creating real change. “Defending human rights is not optional; it is essential for progress. Every Somali deserves dignity, equality, and freedom,” Mumin asserted. Through this campaign, civil society groups across Somalia are uniting to give a platform to those whose voices have been silenced for far too long.
Aligned with the Dutch Human Rights Policy, the campaign focuses on promoting civic awareness, freedom of expression, and gender equality, with a particular emphasis on youth and women. Utilizing digital platforms and artistic expression, the campaign seeks to educate and mobilize the younger generation, encouraging them to demand their rights and participate in civic life. The #Baraarug movement aims to create a Somali society where every individual, regardless of their clan or gender, can contribute to the nation’s future.
As Somalia continues to grapple with its complex challenges, the #Baraarug Campaign stands as a reminder that the fight for human rights is far from over. The vision for the future is one of stability, peace, and inclusion—an ambitious yet necessary goal for a country where justice is often elusive. For freethinkers and human rights advocates, the movement in Somalia offers a powerful example of the resilience of marginalized communities and the unwavering belief in the universal rights of all people.
While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the message is clear: it is time for Somalia to wake up. The question remains, however, whether the rest of the world will listen, and whether global solidarity will help carry the weight of this monumental struggle.
