In May 2026, RWI launched a pilot initiative in Somalia, which includes cooperation with the new National Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC). Established in 2025, the NIHRC remains at an early stage of development, shaping the programme’s focus on building effective governance structures and strengthening staff capacity through targeted human rights training.
To initiate the cooperation, RWI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NIHRC, formalising a partnership that lays the foundation for long-term strategic cooperation. This new initiative will contribute to strengthening the capacity and resilience of Somalia’s NHRI, supporting its development as a cornerstone of human rights protection and the rule of law.
The first activity in the programme saw RWI experts visit Mogadishu in August 2026 for a Co-Creation Workshop with the NIHRC. This focused on developing key foundational materials including their Introductory Guide, Code of Conduct and Annual Reporting Guidelines. These were developed with best practices of NHRIs and international human rights law principles in mind, infusing these from the inception of the NIHRC’s work.
The current initiative in Somalia, which is supported by Swedish Development Cooperation will run for an initial nine months and aims to contribute to a Somalia where human rights are effectively protected and promoted through a credible, independent and effective national human rights system. In addition to working with the NIHRC, RWI will also cooperate with Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development.