The new freezers at Somalia’s only forensic laboratory can store thousands of DNA samples, although for now there are just five. The big hope is that they could be the start of a revolution in how the troubled Horn of Africa country tackles its widespread sexual violence — provided some daunting hurdles are overcome. If DNA ID can be teased from the sample, this would be a crucial step in convicting the woman’s rapist. Two decades of conflict and turmoil have made Somalia a place where lawlessness and sexual violence are rampant. More fundamental still is the failure of Somalia’s police to take sexual assault cases — and their jobs — seriously.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 23, 2018 06:00 UTC