Fyr Posted August 28, 2005 The United Nations Independent Expert on human rights for Somaliland and Somalia has disclosed that there were funds now available for the construction of a totally new prison in Hargeysa. Ghanim Al Najjar who is in the country since Wednesday said that the Somaliland government has already promised to make the necessary plot of land available for the construction of Hargeysa's new central prison. The new prison facility is to replace the existing one which has been over-congested and without basic utilities and services over the years. Al Najjar described the state of the prison as on the border of a real humanitarian tragedy. Ghanim Al Najjar who was appointed by Kofi Anan in 2001, has taken upon himself to secure funds for the establishment of a new Hargeysa prison. Green light will be given for the project once a site has been assigned he said. The international expert on human rights for Somaliland and Somalia arrived in Hargeysa on Wednesday on a four-day visit. His mission is to look into a variety of issues ranging from human rights, including the rights of women and children, to the administration of justice as well as the state of minorities. He will be expected to meet government officials, human rights activists and political as well as civic leaders. On Thursday, Dr Ghanim Al Najjar met with leaders of the Somaliland Society for Independent Journalists and Writers (SSJW) and the Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA) to discuss issues related to freedom of expression. The UN expert is also expected to follow up an earlier offer to mediate exchange of prisoners of war between Somaliland and Puntland. Source: The Somaliland Times, Hargeysa, in English 27 Aug 05 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
