By: Cornelia Walles and Clemence Velon–Bazzana, Communication Associates
Lund/Mogadishu – 26 May 2026
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), together with the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development of the Federal Government of Somalia and the National Independent Human Rights Commission of Somalia (NIHRC), has officially launched a new Programme in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Somalia Programme Inception Phase will run for 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.
On the 24th of May, Peter Lundberg, RWI’s Executive Director, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somalia’s newly established National Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC).
Together with NIHRC Chairperson Dr. Maryam Qasim, and in the presence of the Commission’s leadership and RWI representatives, RWI formalises a partnership to support Somalia’s first independent National Human Rights Institution.
“This MoU lays the foundation for long-term strategic cooperation in human rights, institutional capacity‑building, training, research, and other forms of support. It represents a historic step in strengthening Somalia’s commitment to dignity, justice, and accountability.” – Peter Lundberg, RWI Executive Director
In parallel, RWI’s representatives participated in a high-level meeting with H.E. Khadija Mohamed Al‑Makhzoumi, Minister of Family and Human Rights Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, signing a partnership aimed at reinforcing Somalia’s national human rights architecture, in line with international human rights standards and national priorities.
The delegation also met with key international partners, including, among others, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, to explore opportunities for coordinated support and strengthened collaboration on human rights priorities.
“This marks a historic milestone for us at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute. We are thrilled to have signed these new strategic agreements that will enable us to build a close working relationship in the years ahead, with the shared aim of achieving tangible results in strengthening human rights in Somalia”. – Peter Lundberg, RWI Executive Director
RWI welcomes this new partnership with the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development and the National Independent Human Rights Commission of Somalia (NIHRC) and is grateful for the continued support from the Swedish Government through Sida. This new initiative will contribute to strengthening the capacity and resilience of Somalia’s National Human Rights Institution, supporting its development as a cornerstone of human rights protection and the rule of law.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mikael Johansson, Regional Director for Africa
Email: mikael.johansson@rwi.lu.se
Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Learn more at: www.rwi.lu.se