Friday August 23, 2024
Ten Al-Shabaab militants stand before their execution by firing squad in Galkayo, Puntland, on Saturday morning, following their conviction for the murder of civilians and officials. This mass execution marks one of the largest in the region's recent history, raising significant questions about Puntland's security measures and the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the execution of four youths in Somalia's Puntland state last week, asserting that the individuals were minors at the time of their alleged crimes.
The youths were among ten Al-Shabaab members who were executed in Galkayo for their roles in the murders of civilians and officials, marking one of the largest mass executions in Puntland's recent history.
UNICEF stated that the youths, who were reportedly linked to the militant group Al-Shabaab, should not have been tried in military courts, which lack the appropriate procedures for handling cases involving juveniles. According to the Puntland Age Verification Committee, which included representatives from the regional government, the individuals were under 18 years old at the time of their alleged offences.
"These executions reflect a serious breach of both Puntland's Juvenile Law and Somalia's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child," UNICEF said in a statement. "Children associated with armed groups must be treated as victims in need of protection and rehabilitation."
The executions came as Puntland authorities clamped down on Al-Shabaab's presence in the region following the escape of three Al-Shabaab members death row inmates from Galkayo's high-security prison. Although one of the escapees has been recaptured, the remaining two are still at large.
International human rights organizations have long criticized Puntland and Somalia for their treatment of young militants, urging a shift toward rehabilitative justice rather than capital punishment. UNICEF has reiterated its call for Somali authorities to align their practices with international child rights standards and to implement effective reintegration programs for children associated with armed groups.
According to a May report by Amnesty International, there were 38 recorded executions in Somalia last year compared to just six in 2022.