Launch of Muslims for Progressive Values' UPR Stakeholder Report on Somalia

LOS ANGELES - Sept. 9, 2015 - PRLog -- Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) has submitted its 2015 Stakeholder Report for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Somalia to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for review at the 24th Session of the Working Group to be held January 2016.

Through its stakeholder reports, MPV addresses human rights abuses that are being justified in the name of Islam. MPV seeks to change the narrative and reshape the perception of Islam as a loving, inclusive and human rights-promoting faith. MPV does this by engaging in constructive dialogue on human rights issues with various stakeholders at global policy platforms, while simultaneously raising awareness of such issues in relation to Islam at the grassroots level.

The UPR is a state-driven process, allowing UN Member States to address steps taken to improve human rights records. Created in 2006 through the UN General Assembly, the process has now reviewed the human rights records of all 193 member states, and continues to do so in its second cycle. The UPR Process also allows for the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as MPV.

MPV’s report on Somalia addresses four key human rights issues at stake in Somalia: religious freedom, women's rights, the freedom of expression, and LGBTI rights. In conjunction with the report, MPV has made available several social media infographics. The report is available in English and Somali: http://www.mpvusa.org/upr-stakeholder-reports/

For more information about MPV's work at the UN, please visit: http://www.mpvusa.org/mpv-at-the-un/