Justice & Constitutional Affairs Minister: “The establishment of the Judiciary Service Commission Law is a milestone achievement towards the reform of the Justice sector in Somalia.”

Mogadishu, 30th June 2014 – H.E. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, the Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs today welcomed the Parliament’s overwhelming approval of the Judiciary Service Commission Law. Minister Farah said “The Parliament’s approval of the Judiciary Service Commission Law is a milestone achievement towards the reform of the Justice sector in Somalia.”

Article 109A of the Provisional Constitution establishes a Judicial Service Commission, comprised of nine (9) members, which shall be members from the judiciary, members from the Law Society, the Human Rights Commissioner; and individuals with high reputation within the Somali society.

The Minister said “Today’s vote in the parliament is a significant progress towards establishing the rule of law in Somalia. The government of Somalia, in collaboration with the parliament and all other key stakeholders in the justice sector have been working very hard to re-establish the Justice Sector in the country.

Minister Farah, speaking on to the media said “The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to the reform of the justice in order to ensure that our Judicial system is transparent and accountable to the people. As the country is moving towards peace and stability, it is right that we improve our judiciary system so that our people will be confident in our system. People deserve justice that is fair and treats all citizens equally.”

The Minister continued “It is essential for the Somali people to take part in the process, as the engagement of the public is the key to the success. I therefore call on every citizen to support the reform of the justice sector in order to improve the quality of our judicial system. We want our people to have confidence in the system, which in turn could bring peace and stability in the country. The rule of law is paramount to the peace and prosperity of our country.”

For over 23 years the Somali judiciary system lacked a supreme body that nominate, promote, discipline and oversight the work of sitting judges from district, regional and federal levels. Therefore today’s parliament approval will be the beginning of fundamental reform of Somali judiciary system.