TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 190

SOMALIA

CONFIDENTIAL

Report by HM Embassy, Mogadishu

Rating suggested by Post

2

Right No.

(i)

(ii)

There are political prisoners, but the numbers have been decreasing over the past few years and the number of those remaining is probably in single figures.

The regime does not normally employ brutal methods to achieve its ends, although the use of third degree methods in police interrogation of suspected criminals is probably wide- spread.

Comment by East African Dept

The post's judgement seems rather lenient. We would give a rating of 2 under this heading.

о

(iii)

There is no slavery in Somalia.

(iv)

All press and radio is State-owned and all imported publications are censored.

о

10

(v)

The National Security courts which try all crimes were established by the Supreme Revolutionary Council after the 1970 revolution and have no form of independence.

10

(vi)

5

(vii)

There are no trade unions and no evidence that attempts have been made to form any. It is not possible therefore to say what the Government's attitude would be if serious attempts were made to establish trade unions, but in all probability little freedom would be allowed.

Policy seems to vary from time to time. In general at present it seems to be difficult for more highly qualified Somalis to obtain passports, although a

CONFIDENTIAL

5

/number