THE SOMALILAND MANIFESTO

§1
THE RIGHT TO TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY ACCORDING TO THE OAU, AU & UN CHARTERS

We call for support and recognition of the free and independent Republic of Somaliland based on the territorial borders of the former British Somaliland Protectorate that were established in 1884 and defined by Anglo-French, Anglo-Italian and Anglo-Ethiopian Treaties. Somaliland’s independence was through a Royal Proclamation by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II which took place on the 26th of June, 1960. The independence of Somaliland was immediately recognized by the UK and a number of Commonwealth countries. After a period of turbulent union with the former Italian Somalia, the Republic of Somaliland withdrew from that union on the 18th of May 1991.

§2
THE RIGHT TO DEMOCRACY

We call for support and recognition of the democratic and peaceful Republic of Somaliland that respects and deepens democracy at all levels of its society, and which resolves any disagreements through traditional, peaceful and democratic means. The Republic of Somaliland selects and elects its representatives through free, just and regular democratic elections, which have all been monitored by independent international organizations and observers.

§3
THE RIGHT TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS

We call for support and recognition of the Republic of Somaliland that respects and protects human rights for all its inhabitants according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948, by the United Nations General Assembly. These rights are enshrined by the constitution of the Republic of Somaliland, which outlines, among others, that all people regardless of ethnicity, social status, gender, political opinions and religious beliefs have equal rights and are treated equally and fairly in all ways.

§4
THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

We call for support and recognition of the  Republic of Somaliland which is actively pursuing the rights of women and children,
where women have an obvious and clear part in public life, politics and business.

§5
THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION

We call for support and recognition of the  Republic of Somaliland where boys and girls have equal rights and access to education, and where all citizens are encouraged to make their own decisions.

§6
THE RIGHT TO A FAIR CAREER

We call for support and recognition of the Republic of Somaliland that rewards honest and hard work among its inhabitants and doesn’t discriminate or enrich anyone on the grounds of birth, clan affiliation, political opinions, beliefs or gender.

§7
THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM TERRORISM AND OPPRESSION

We call for support and recognition of the Republic of Somaliland that actively combats all forms of criminality and terrorism; a Somaliland that cooperates with the international community and fully contributes to global strategies in the quest for peace, stability and international solutions.

§8
THE RIGHT TO FREE COURTS AND FREEDOM FROM CORRUPTION

We call for support and recognition of the Republic of Somaliland that strives to fight corruption and implements just laws for all its citizens, and which has clear and fair rules for business and industry, and that settles all disagreements through a free and equitable judicial system.

SUMMARY:

We call for support and recognition of the peaceful Republic of Somaliland, which strives to be an example to the world as a functioning democratic country that respects human rights and freedoms and combats terrorism and corruption.

Mikael Torstensson
Somaliland Special Envoy to EU
Somaliland World Coalition