Somaliland: EUCAP holds the 4th Round of Maritime Legal workshop for 44 Participants in Hargeisa

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In the heels of a similar event discussing Human Rights and Gender in the context of maritime security in Hargeisa

Somalilandsun- In cooperation with the Somaliland Attorney General Office (AGO) and under the umbrella of the Counter Piracy Coordination Office, EUCAP organized and funded the fourth round of a Maritime Legal workshop in Hargeisa, Somaliland from January 28-30.

Participants from the Judiciary (judges and prosecutors), Police, Coast Guard and Immigration Officers attended the workshop. There were 44 participants in total who came from different parts of Somaliland including four women and six trainers from the Somaliland AGO.

Hosted at the Ambassador Hotel, the officers were trained on several subjects, including: Criminal and Civil Jurisdictions of flag state and coastal state; Maritime zones; Illegal Fishing/Sailing in unauthorized areas; Maritime Crimes and related laws; Piracy; Dumping and Waste; Tax Evasion, Human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, contraband and appropriate care and treatment of female victims in marine cases.

The trainers were EU experts from EUCAP, the Somaliland Attorney General’s Office and NAGAAD, an NGO advocating for women and children’s empowerment towards “achieving an egalitarian society where women, children and men are equally significant”.

In comparison with the three previous workshops of this kind organised in Hargeisa, topics were more focused on criminal offenses with regard to the Fishery’s Act and Pirates Act. More time was dedicated to discussing Human Rights, Gender and Human Trafficking.

Group Discussion in the Workshop 2

Somalilandsun- EUCAP Human Rights and Gender experts met with representatives of the NAGAAD Network in Hargeisa on January 25th. NAGAAD is an NGO that advocates for women and children’s empowerment and works towards “achieving an egalitarian society where women, children and men are equally significant”. Founded in 1997, it was formed to serve as an organized, collective voice of women who were determined to fight for their socio-economic and political rights as equal citizens of Somaliland.

Discussions this week focused on the gender issues involved in human trafficking, illegal migration that poses a threat to national security, as well as the protection of human rights.

To effectively fight against illegal migration, “we must empower women and young people and advocate for a safe and secure environment for them to live in, so they can grow and realize their full potential as leaders in all spheres,” NAAGAD Executive Director, Nafisa Yusuf Mohamed said.

With the support of EUCAP, the NAGAAD Network is working in close cooperation with the Somaliland Attorney General Office (AGO) on the planning of an upcoming Maritime Legislation Workshop to take place in Hargeisa. NAGAAD representatives will participate as trainers and elaborate on the protection of victims of maritime crimes, men and women, boys and girls.

“We must support and encourage women to fully participate in the economic flow of the maritime resources. We must educate institutions to fully understand and appreciate the importance of women participation in the economy of the Country”, Nafisa Yusuf Mohamed added.

EUCAP Holds discusses Human Rights and Gender in the context of maritime security in Hargeisa

Meanwhile January 25th EUCAP Human Rights and Gender experts met with representatives of the NAGAAD Network in Hargeisa. NAGAAD is an NGO that advocates for women and children’s empowerment and works towards “achieving an egalitarian society where women, children and men are equally significant”. Founded in 1997, it was formed to serve as an organized, collective voice of women who were determined to fight for their socio-economic and political rights as equal citizens of Somaliland. Continue reading

EUCAP Holds discusses Human Rights and Gender in the context of maritime security in Hargeisa