International Relief Foundation 16th session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues Minorities and Cohesive Societies: Equality, Social Inclusion, and Socio-economic Participation Date: 01 December 2023 Agenda Item Session 3 – Legal and Structural Approaches to More Inclusive Societies My Speech Statement Esteemed representatives, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I'm Hamza Mohamed from the International Relief Foundation, representing the Somali Bravanese and Banadiri minorities. I'm honoured to stand before you today. In Somalia, various minority groups face significant challenges, including Bantu Bravenese, Banadiri, Bajuni, Eyle, Galgala, Tumaal, Yibir, and Gabooye. They live in conditions of poverty, with no access to humanitarian aid, unlike other clans. Enduring discrimination and exclusion. Social segregation, economic deprivation, and political manipulation systematically exclude them from government positions. Even those in power often lack the ability to advocate for their communities. Despite facing discrimination and economic hardship, all minority groups contribute significantly to Somalia's socio-economy. However, in 2000, during the interim government established in Arte of Djibouti, a 4.5 system was implemented, further marginalizing these groups. They were assigned a status of 0.5, leading to extreme discrimination. Tragically, incidents like the burning of a Bantu family occurred without accountability. Ongoing animosity between minority groups and dominant clans is evident. Recently, Abubakar Mohammed Sheikh Nurein, well known as (Aa bariimo) from Banadiri ethnic Minority, was shot and murdered by a government tax official for $0.25 while sitting outside his store in Hamarwayn's bazaar district in Mogadishu in January 2023. Such acts of violence are sadly commonplace. Today, I present Key recommendations for your consideration: To abolish the oppressive 4.5 clan-base system and promote an inclusive democratic governance system. Thank you for your attention.