UNFPA calls for investigation into grave crime of child gang rape in Somali

Calling the violation of a “gruesome act”, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to the Government and people of Somalia “to ensure that sexual and gender-based violence is eliminated”.

The UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, has issued a statement "strongly" condemning a gang rape of a nine-year-old girl on Wednesday, in the central Somali town of Bulo-Burde, some 425 km west of the capital, Mogadishu. UNFPA said that it stands with the girl's family and called for a speedy investigation into the "grave crime".

Calling the violation of a "gruesome act", the agency reaffirmed its commitment to the Government and people of Somalia "to ensure that sexual and gender-based violence is eliminated". Moreover, it underscored its stance that girls and women must "experience their fundamental dignity, human rights and equality". UNFPA urged everyone to work together for "adequate protection measures for girls and women in Somalia".