United Nations Radio

The United Nations independent expert on human rights in Somalia on Thursday called for an end to violence and human rights abuses in the country.

Shamsul Bari expressed his sadness at the killing of Somalia's Minister of National Security, Omar Hashi Aden, in a suicide car bomb attack in Beletweyne, north of the capital Mogadishu.

The expert says he is also saddened by this week's upsurge in violence in Mogadishu itself, where either another suicide bomb or shelling is reported to have killed at least ten people at a mosque.

He strongly condemned these crimes and offered his condolences to the families of Omar Hashi Aden and the other victims of violence.

Mr. Bari also expressed serious concerns at reports that dozens of civilians, including children, have been killed and injured over the past two days, during continued fighting in Mogadishu and elsewhere in the south and central parts of the country.

He noted that various groups appear to be specifically targeted - including human rights defenders, aid workers and journalists and that at least three reporters have been killed since the fighting escalated in early May.

The United Nations expert stressed the need to immediately stop the violence and fighting and to renew dialogue in conformity with the 2008 Djibouti Agreement.

Mr. Bari also expressed concern about the reports that armed groups in Somalia are recruiting children, that there are specific well-organized camps for young boys and that children are being used on the frontline.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.
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