Human rights are the cornerstone of a just and inclusive society, promoting equality, dignity, and freedom for all individuals. To honor and raise awareness about these fundamental rights, Youth Empowering Council (YECO), in partnership with SOGHA and Peace and Democracy Development Action (PEDDA), organized a virtual commemoration of Human Rights Day. The event brought together esteemed guest speakers, including Batuulo Ahmed Gabbale, Chair-Lady of the Somali Women Association, who shared their insights on human rights-related topics. The meeting, which was opened by YECO’s Executive Director, Mohamed Shariif, provided a platform for engaging discussions and reflection amongst the participants.

The virtual commemoration featured highly respected guest speakers who played a vital role in shedding light on various aspects of human rights. Batuulo Ahmed Gabbale, the Chair-Lady of the Somali Women Association, delivered a thought-provoking address that emphasized the importance of gender equality, women’s rights, and the empowerment of marginalized groups within society. Her inspiring words resonated with participants, sparking meaningful conversations on promoting and protecting human rights in Somalia.

The event fostered an interactive environment where participants actively engaged with the guest speakers. The discussions encompassed a wide range of human rights issues, including access to education, healthcare, freedom of expression, and the rights of vulnerable communities. Through these conversations, attendees were encouraged to share their experiences, perspectives, and innovative ideas for advancing human rights in their communities.

The commemoration drew to a close with closing remarks by Abdifitah Abdullahi from PEDDA. He expressed his gratitude to the guest speakers, participants, and the organizing partners for their unwavering commitment to promoting and safeguarding human rights. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration and collective action to address human rights challenges and create a more inclusive and equitable society.