First, let me express my strong concern for the deplorable situation of millions of men, women and children in Somalia who have, for such a long time, endured violent conflict and hardship. I urge all parties within Somalia to respect human rights and humanitarian law and allow humanitarian access.
During the past year we have witnessed a steady wave of refugees from Somalia trying to cross the Gulf of Aden to Yemen. It is a dangerous and often lethal passage, and yet, so far more than 19 000 Somalis have risked this journey. Hundreds of thousands have fled over land.
This past year we have also seen an unprecedented increase of piracy off the coast of Somalia. Not only has the number of attacks increased and the number of people engaged in piracy increased, but the attacks have also become more daring. We condemn those acts.
We all know the background - 17 years of armed conflict in Somalia with no end in sight, no functioning government capable of protecting its citizens or upholding the law and no investments in agriculture or other forms of livelihood for the population.
At this stage, a comprehensive approach making use of a wide range of means are necessary to address the situation, including a naval force with adequate mandate to protect humanitarian deliveries and fend off piracy. Sweden has consequently, pending parliamentary decision, announced its intention to contribute with a navy unit to the EU led operation ATALANTA, primarily in order to protect and escort WFP vessels. The EU naval operation and other similar operations are important first steps, but we need to think further and aim at long term conflict resolution.
We also need to address the root causes of the intolerable practice of piracy, smuggling and trafficking. We need to support the Somalis in recreating a functioning society that can uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights, and where young Somalis will have true opportunities, more attractive than to become criminals or refugees. The alternative would risk entrenching Somalia as a recruiting ground and safe-haven for criminality and terrorism.
Sweden would like to confirm its strong support for the political process under the Djibouti agreement led by the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) and SRSG Ould Abdallah. This is now the only constructive way forward.
It is a process which is owned by the Somali parties, which builds on their commitment and responsibility for their own state. It is a process which must become more inclusive and take firmer root on the ground. The international community must find constructive ways of supporting this process, including support for increased security and development.
During the last 17 years many attempts to solve the crises in Somalia have been tried and failed. External involvement has not always been constructive. The international community must hence thread carefully and ensure that its actions, and the mandates given by the Security Council, are in line with and in support of the ongoing efforts to build an inclusive peace in Somalia.