The Federal Government of Somalia, through the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, has strongly dismissed reports circulating online alleging that members of its official delegation to the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva have absconded and are seeking asylum in Europe.
In a press statement released on Monday, the Ministry described the claims—shared on Facebook and a fake website—as “baseless, malicious, and intended to mislead the public and damage Somalia’s international reputation.”
“The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs strongly rejects false and defamatory claims… alleging that Somalia’s official delegation to the International Labour Conference (ILC) has not returned,” the statement read.
According to the Ministry, Somalia’s tripartite delegation actively participated in the Geneva conference, with most delegates returning home after completing their first-week assignments. A few senior officials remain in Geneva to carry out additional responsibilities, including participation in committee work and voting on key resolutions. The Ministry noted that Somalia’s contributions to the ILC have been positively received.
The statement further alleges that the disinformation campaign originated from “diaspora-based individuals” who were not included in the delegation due to their lack of affiliation with recognized workers’ organizations and non-residency in Somalia. Their exclusion, the Ministry asserted, aligns with national and international labor standards, including those of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
“After being excluded, they launched an online disinformation campaign targeting the delegation,” the statement continued, adding that the Ministry regards this as a “deliberate smear effort.”
The Ministry confirmed it is documenting the matter as criminal defamation under both Somali and international law and intends to pursue legal accountability for those involved.
The Ministry urged the Somali public to disregard false information and continue supporting the integrity of Somalia’s representation on global platforms.
Mustaqbal
