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

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.

Keywords

• apostasy
• blasphemy laws of somalia
• human rights
• obligations