Somalia: Failure to Pass of Sexual Offences Bill Complicit in Continued Sexual Violence Against Young Girls

The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) condemns the rape of three young girls in Afgoye, South-West State, and Balanballe, Galmudug. These tragic events remain one of the most heinous human rights violations and leave a deep-rooted stain on victims' families and communities.

For too long, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has been a deep scourge in Somali society, contributing to its unrelenting levels of gender inequality. SGBV keeps women subordinate - specially working women who are breadwinners of their families - stifles their voices and agency, and impacts their levels of productivity, thereby keeping them poor and economically disempowered. Sexual violence against children significantly interrupts their emotional, social and educational development; its ripple effects are felt far into their future and it has the potential to derail the normal trajectory of their lives.

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