The 52nd Session of the UPR Working Group, Review of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Statement by Ms. SAKURAI Minami (8 May 2026)

   Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

   Japan warmly welcomes the delegation of Somalia to this session.
 
  Japan welcomes the significant legislative steps taken by Somalia to promote the rights of persons with disabilities through the new National Disability Law.

   In a spirit of constructive dialogue, Japan recommends that Somalia:

   

1. continue ongoing efforts to implement a national legal framework to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other essential services;
2.  strengthen efforts to effectively protect the rights of the child, in particular by preventing and eradicating the recruitment and use of child soldiers, including through ratification of the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict; and 
3. effectively safeguard freedom of expression and the independence of the media by protecting media workers from threats and harassment.

   We wish the delegation of Somalia every success in the review.

   I thank you.