Apostasy and Blasphemy in the Context of Somalia’s International Human Rights Obligations
Apostasy and Blasphemy in the Context of Somalia’s International Human Rights Obligations

Summary/Abstract: The legal framework of the Federal Republic of Somalia does not explicitly forbid apostasy but explicitly prohibits blasphemy against Islamic religion, object of worship and people venerated by Islam. If a person leaves Islam, he is ostracised by his kindred and the entire community. If he is a businessman, he would lose customers. If you are a jobseeker that is declared an apostate it becomes difficult to secure a job until you revert to Islam. The hatred against non-Muslims and non-believers is so deeply rooted in Somalia that many apostates has been persecuted in different ways. An apostate cannot inherit from a Muslim parent or ancestor and vice versa. The current application of blasphemy laws that exalt Islamic faith over other revealed religions is not in line with human rights obligations.

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