Annual Discussion 2024: Updating the Somali Penal Code and Implementing Prison Reform

On 9 September 2024, a virtual discussion took place, organised by Ismail Mohamud Abukar, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Organization for Prisoners' Rights (OPR), on approaches to updating the outdated Somali Penal Code and implementing prison reforms.

The discussion drew a diverse group of prominent participants, including Hussain Jama, former Country Director of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); Dr Patrick Teko, former Strategy Director at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR); and Ali Muhudin, former Deputy Commander of the Somali Custodial Corps.

The main focus was on the various approaches to modernising the Somali Penal Code and ensuring the effective implementation of prison reforms. Participants also engaged in in-depth discussion of strategies for applying pressure on the Somali government to guarantee that these reforms are carried out.

About OPR

The Organization for Prisoners' Rights is an independent, non-profit civil society organization based in Mogadishu, Somalia, documenting conditions of detention, arbitrary detention, and human rights violations in Somali prisons and detention facilities since 2019.

More about OPR·[email protected]