A ceremony was held today in the Puntland capital of Garowe to commemorate International Human Rights Day and mark the end of the annual 16-day campaign against gender-based violence.

The theme of this year's event was "Stand up for someone's rights today," and among those present were the Puntland Minister of Education Abshir Yusuf Isse, the Puntland Minister of Women Development and Family Affairs Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin, and the chairperson of the Puntland Women Association, Khadro Warsame Jama.
 

Minister Mumin presented an award to the UNSOM Human Rights and Protection Group, UNICEF and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in recognition of their work in promoting and protecting human rights in the state.
 

Ms. Mumin and other Puntland officials underscored their state government's commitment to end gender-based violence and promote respect for human rights.
 

Invited guests also included members of the Puntland regional assembly, representatives of women's groups and other segments of civil society, and religious leaders.

In his remarks, the head of the UNDP office in Puntland Sayed Sahibzada highlighted the significance of International Human Rights Day and noted the UNSOM mandate to promote human rights and the rule of law and protect vulnerable groups. 

Guests were entertained with a poetry reading and songs spotlighting the role of women in Somali society and their right to participate in political affairs without fear of violence.