In Somalia, where 75% of the population is under 30, young people face escalating threats from extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and abuse—often at the hands of state security forces. While non-state actors such as Al‑Shabaab remain the primary perpetrators, cases involving police and military personnel are on the rise. Young people are frequently stereotyped as criminals, gang members, or extremists, fueling hostile encounters. Security forces often employ lethal force without proper escalation protocols, further endangering civilians. Weak oversight, poor investigative capacity, and a lack of accountability mechanisms allow many perpetrators to escape justice. Civilian and military justice systems are undermined by political interference, clan influence, and customary law settlements that prioritize financial compensation over criminal prosecution. This entrenches impunity and erodes the rule of law. In some communities, trust between youth and security forces has collapsed, damaging public confidence in government. The growing reliance on heavy-handed, securitised responses to insecurity not only violates human rights but also undermines long-term stability. Addressing this crisis requires enforcing accountability, reforming security sector practices, improving human rights training, and rebuilding trust with Somalia’s youth—an essential step toward lasting peace and security.