UNDP: Somaliland progresses towards police reform

[Suldaanka]

- Somaliland Women Bar Association representative explains how police should cooperate with citizens -

 

source

 

Somaliland progresses towards police reform

Somaliland agrees Blueprint for the Future of Policing

 

 

The Somaliland Police Commissioner and Minister of Interior have together signed a National Charter for Policing. They are calling it a “Blue print for the future” - a far-reaching statement of Purpose, Vision and Values to help guide the professionalization and modernization of the Somaliland Police.

 

The Charter is the outcome of the First Convention on Police Reform which was held between 26 and 29 April 2010 in Hargeisa. The Convention was inclusive of all political parties and included participation from a broad cross section of Somaliland society as well as the police, Ministry of Interior and Justice, academia and the three main universities. Support came from the United Nations Development Programme and its donors, including the European Community and DFID, as part of the ongoing police reform.

 

 

Speaking after the Convention, the Minister of the Interior Abdullahi Ismail Ali said that the Charter should transform the Somaliland police. “This is about making the transition from a colonial model, based on force and coercion, to a modern, democratic institution, based on mutual respect and assistance. Respect for fundamental rights is a key foundation for that. “

 

“The general approach aims to unite the police and the people, who work together in reducing crime and promoting respect for human dignity and fundamental rights”. “This is the true meaning of ‘community policing’ and ‘policing by consent’.”

 

Speaking about the reliance of the approach on international human rights law, the Minister of Justice Aden Ahmed Elmi said, “The norms and standards enshrined in the Somaliland constitution and the Holy Qur’an are the values that inspire and lead our people. They have towering moral authority. This reform shows how well our values embrace many of the international norms and standards developed through the United Nations.”

 

The Somaliland police force has since its establishment in 1991, struggled to shed its identity as a remnant of a former colonial police. Though it has built good relations with elders, it has yet to engage effectively with the general public to tackle crime, border violations and general service issues. Hampered by old and dysfunctional infrastructure, equipment and poor training and deployment, the police face challenges in winning respect from the citizenry. There is also continuing evidence of problems regarding police awareness of - and respect for - fundamental human rights.

 

UNDP has been working with the police for the past three years. Since last year, UNDP through the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery has supported sensitization of Somalilanders on the broader changes in role, values and approach which are needed to reflect the Somaliland Constitution and international norms and standards. The process is also supported by the European Union and Amnesty international.

 

As the Presidential elections draw closer, the need to reform the police into a politically neutral, professional and constitutionally independent police service has gathered momentum.

 

A public dissemination campaign and formal “Charter” training for new and existing officers at Mandeerha Academy are planned as a follow-up to the Convention. Also, there are plans to establish Reform Units within the Police and MoI and to hold a second National Convention early next year to discuss legislation and concrete plans for accountability.

 

 

 

[Hunguri]

Qofkii dadaalaa waa gaadhaa. No matter, how and what strategy! Congrats

[Cowke]

Peace initiaves need to get to the ground level not in meeting hall of 20 ppl.

 

Puntland Up-coming Peace Initiave Drive throughout the state

 

[Freedomfighter007]

Cowke stop hating we on the right path

[Jacaylbaro]

oo baskaasi imisa qof buu qaadaa ?? ,,,

[Cowke]

That bus is used to travel through puntland to reach the people. They are not sitting in hotel room like the people you just posted here.

 

Again better governance in puntland!!!

 

Bus Routes Law Garowe

 

Bus Route Law Galkayo

 

Road Signs Bossaso

 

 

 

PS: I am going to be IDP in Puntland

[Jacaylbaro]

Some sexy police officers ,,,

 

 

[Cowke]

Jacaylbaro lol naago inay joggan hargeisa shaqi kuma jirto taas sxb. I think Xoosh made a good point there and its not just XOOSH that says this but all somalis say the same thing

[Cowke]

I personally prefer hamari women. I dont know why but I like women who are short and have nice bubbly bodies lol.

 

I am not the type that likes tall skinny girls, ima baxan reminds me of boys lol

[Qudhac]

jacay

 

she can arrest me any time

[Jacaylbaro]

Same here ,,,, imagine you're questioned by her ,,,