UPDATED INTERVENTION BELOW from Gabooye Organisation Madam Chair, Special Rapporteur & Distinguished Guests: Within the general objective of the forum this year on the topic of hate speech causes; we would like to address the scale and impact it has on Gabooye people through Social media, as well as National Television. We are concerned by the lack of a legislative and policy reform process in tackling hate speech in Somalia. Recently on SNTV (Somali National Television) broadcasted a program with panelists who openly and explicitly support and encourage hate speech. Fadumo Cali Maxed, one of the guests in the show, was unapologetically and candidly xenophobic and antisemitic, naming Gabooye clans the antisemitic and offensive term ‘Midgaan’. Fadumo further remarked that “it’s against our religion and culture to marry Midgaan” and when asked why, she reiterated “he is a Midgan, we are not the same”. Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TPJk9FbF3g0 The Somali people consider Gabooye clans as cursed Jews, therefore, it’s a common practice for Politicians, Academics, poets, artists, and civil society, in general, to practice hate speech shamelessly without any fear of repercussions. Recently, a prominent Somali politician was invited by SONSAF - “Somaliland Non-State Actor Forum” to give a speech about the politics of the country. The Politician went on Television raving with threats to shoot while insulting, and promoting hate towards Gabooye people. When asked a question by a member of the public, said Politician, responded with (and I quote) “tell this Yibir to go, why are you talking to this monkey looking Midgan, we will shoot you, get this guy out, get him out this Midgan”. These words were expressed by Eng Faisal Ali Warabe chairman of the UCID political party. The audience including SONSAF applaud the chairman and laughed at the man Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf5i3Pc0Knc This hypocrisy is been witnessed human rights defenders - such as EUROPEAN UNION, DANIDA (Danish refugee council), SAFER WORLD, FORUM SYD, UK AID, HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL - but unfortunately they still tend to sponsor, promote, and fund radical entities, individuals and organizations like SONSAF who encourage and equip hate preachers with a platform. Yibir Gabooye are said to be of Jewish descend, although they are Muslims, Somalis still segregate them and so the Gabooye Yibir marry between Muse dhariyo, Tumal, and Madhiban. Xenophobia, antisemitism, and hate speech have now become the norm in everyday Somali life, as it is for everyone. However, Madam Chair, we are troubled by the disparity between policy and practice in resolving hate speech against Gabooye people in Somalia’s political structure.