The UN Independent Expert on the situation of Human Rights in Somalia, Shamsul Bari, today expressed deep shock over a new boat disaster in the Gulf of Aden that claimed the life of at least 11 Somali people while another are still 34 missing.
“Smuggling and trafficking in persons in Somalia has been a sad facet of the Somali conflict,” said Mr. Bari, who reported extensively on the plight of Somali boat people in a 2009 report* to the Human Rights Council. “This must stop and come to an end.”
“Such tragedy highlights the critical need to find a lasting and sustainable peace in Somalia so that people can live in a decent manner at home and are not forced to flee constantly their country to save their lives,” the human rights expert stressed. “To that end, I urge the Somali authorities at the national and sub-national level to work in close cooperation with the international community, including the United Nations.”
Survivors found on Somali beaches last week explained that their boat, crewed by three smugglers and carrying 58 passengers, had set sail for Yemen. They also recounted to local authorities how smugglers forced 22 passengers overboard soon after the engine failed.
“I have also received alarming reports about the violence faced by Somalis at the hands of the local population in transit countries. And, I am concerned about reports of attacks against Somalis and prolonged administrative detention in host countries,” Mr. Bari said.
“The upcoming London conference will focus the world’s attention on Somalia,” the rights expert noted. “As we try to address the suffering of Somalis inside the country, I would like to remind all transit and host countries of their legal and humanitarian obligation to guarantee the safety and dignity of Somali refugees.”
The Independent Expert also called on the international community to strengthen the capacity of the Somali authorities, in particular the Puntland Marine forces, while commending the of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners “in raising awareness about the dangers of the perilous journey.”
“I offer my heartfelt condolences and my grievances to the deceased families and of those injured and who are suffering from skin burns caused by fuel inside the boat,” Mr. Bari said
