Organization for Victims and Survivors.

24/05/2026

Community of Practice (CoP) Discussion Forum Held in Jigjiga
On May 23, 2026, the Organization for Victims and Survivors (OVS) hosted a Community of Practice (CoP) discussion forum at Istanbul International Hotel.
The CoP platform was established under the “Protecting Peace, Dealing with the Past and Future Safeguarding” project, currently being implemented by OVS with funding support from the European Union (EU).
The forum brought together justice institutions from the Somali Regional State (SRS) and organizations representing victims across the region.
The discussion focused on:
“What approaches can improve trust between justice institutions and victims?”
Through in-depth discussions and consultations, participants highlighted key recommendations for strengthening the relationship between justice institutions and victims.
The forum also called upon all concerned stakeholders to enhance coordinated efforts in responding to the needs and rights of victims.

03/05/2026

Today, on 3 May 2026, Organisation for Victims and Survivors ( OVS) has organized a holistic workshop attended by victim groups, community representatives, CSOs, from the Somali Region and justice sector representatives of the Somali Regional State.
As part of the project of "Protecting the Peace, Dealing with the Past and Future Safeguarding In Somali Region" funded by the European Union(EU) focused on how to strengthen cooperation and future collaboration between the two sides.
In a long discussion, it was agreed to establish a Community of Practice (CoP) consisting of 20 members among the participants.
This newly created CoP will work on building trust between victims and justice institutions, in order to improve the justice services delivery needed by victims.
It is the first time that justice institutions and victims community have come together and reache this kind of future consensus and it is a practical initiative that will change the landscape in addressing the grievances of the victims.

26/04/2026

One day discussion workshop on “Victim-Centered justice and service improvement” as part of the project of ” protecting peace, dealing with the past and future safeguarding “ funded by European Union, aimed at strengthening cooperation and trust-building between victims and justice institutions was conducted by OVS at Istanbul International Hotel.
The event brought together representative from justice bodies of SRS, including Justice bureau, Supreme Court, Security agencies, Police Commission, Prison police, TRC Commission and legal professionals
All parties agreed that victims’ complaints must be addressed promptly and genuinely, and that the relationship and cooperation between justice institutions and victims should be strengthened.”

# CR

22/04/2026

The Organization for Victims and Victims (OVS) held a workshop takes place at Istanbul Hotel. The workshop focused on how to build mutual trust between victims from the Somali region of Ethiopia and the justice institutions and judiciary

11/04/2026

The Organization for Victims and Survivors (OVS) held a panel discussion at the Istanbul Hotel in Jigjiga.
The panel focused on the implementation of the project titled “Transitional Justice and Trauma Healing,” which is funded by Irish Aid and implemented by CEHRO/OVS. The project is being carried out in four districts: Qoloji, Goljano, Fik, and Gunagado. Its main objective is to support victims who have suffered psychological trauma as a result of past human rights violations in the Somali Region.
The panel was attended by senior officials from the Independent Commission for Investigation of Violations and Reconciliation (DDS), the Somali Region Justice Bureau, Jigjiga University, and various civil society organizations.
Participants discussed practical ways to deliver full justice, genuine reconciliation, and accountability for those responsible for the abuses.
Ma’alin Shuriye, Head of Public Relations and Communication at OVS, described the panel as an important step toward implementing transitional justice and trauma healing. He emphasized the need to gather practical recommendations, ensure strict enforcement of the law against perpetrators, and establish clear procedures to protect and guarantee victims’ rights.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of building community trust, achieving true reconciliation, and providing comprehensive support psychological, economic, social, and legal to victims, with particular attention to women, children, and the elderly.
The event was viewed as a positive step toward strengthening community rebuilding and fostering long-term peace in the Somali Region.

01/04/2026

01/04/2026

Maalinta xuska tacatiyada deegaanka soomaalida oo loo asteetay 06 April ayaa lagu qaban doonaa dhamaan gobalada deegaanka isniinta soo socoto ifadlan ka soo qayb gal wanaagsan wada jir aan uxusno maalinta

19/02/2026

Research “Report On Deaths and Disappearances in Detention Centre in Somali Region, Ethiopia” has been presented on
February,16. 2026.
Istanbul International Hotel.
Jigjiga.
OVS conducted a one-day kickoff workshop to present its documentation of recorded human rights violations in various detention centers in the Somali Region of Ethiopia.
The documentation focuses primarily on deceased and disappeared individuals who were victims of systematic abuses in Jail Ogaden, Godey Prison, and other military detention facilities in the region.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including government institutions, community representatives, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders based in the Somali Region. During the event, OVS presented a brief overview of its research findings.
Participants positively acknowledged the important role OVS is playing in addressing the needs of conflict-affected communities in the region. They further emphasized that the document would serve as a vital resource for advancing victim-centered justice, reconciliation, and remembrance efforts in the Somali Region of Ethiopia.

08/02/2026

A high-level delegation from the Embassy of Sweden in Ethiopia, led by Maria Monahov, First Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Gender Equality, together with a team from Civil Rights Defenders (CRD) headed by Regional Manager Aklile Solomon, recently conducted a two-day visit to the Somali Regional State.
During the visit, the delegation met with key victims and survivors’ organizations, including the Organization for Victims and Survivors (OVS) and the Hormud Women Organisation. They also undertook a tour of Jail Ogaden (Ogaden Prison) to gain direct insights into the situation on the ground.
The primary purpose of the visit was to monitor and follow up on ongoing projects implemented by these local partner organizations, which are funded by Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) through Civil Rights Defenders. The engagement underscores Sweden’s continued commitment to supporting human rights, gender equality, and civil society initiatives in Ethiopia.
This visit highlights important collaborative efforts to advance Democracy, protect vulnerable groups, and promote accountability in the region.

03/02/2026

Congrats to all OVS Team

Hay,ada OVS oo ah hay,ad maxalli ah kana shaqaysa arimaha dhibaneyaasha,xuquuqul insaanka, caddaalada xilliga kala guurka( Transitional justice) xoojinta Nabada iyo arimo kale ayaa si rasmi ah maanta uga mid noqotay Isbahaysi caalami ah oo layidhaahdo International Coalition Of Sites of Consciece (ICSC)

Isbahaysigan waxaa ku jira 400 oo hay,adood iyo in kabadan 80 waddan, waa isbahysi kashaqeeya arimaha dhibanayaasha, matxafyada xusuus dhowrka,iyo taariikhaha waa isbahaysi ku yimid dadaalka OVS ee dhanka xuquuqda aadamaha.
OVS waxay horay uga mid ahayd dallado iyo hay,ado kala duwan kuwo heer dal ah iyo kuwo caalami ah.