The European Union would like to thank Dr. Bari, the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia for his excellent report and to express our gratitude for his commitment.
We fully share your concern over the serious and unstable situation in many parts of Somalia, which represents one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Impunity and the lack of rule of law generate additional threats to victims. The continued and strengthened engagement by the International Community to stabilize Somalia, and improve the living conditions of its people is of course of great importance. In this respect, we welcome the appointment by the Transitional Federal Government of a ministerial human rights focal point.
The EU encourages the Independent Expert to carry out his task in close association with other actors working on Somalia, notably the UN, AU and the EU. The TFG and regional administrations, such as Puntland and Somaliland, are all in need of having their commitments to human rights yield tangible results in the daily lives of the Somali people. How can the international community best assist the Government of Somalia in implementing the various aspects of the Djibouti Agreement, as well as increase respect for human rights and international humanitarian law?
As you have rightly highlighted, there is an immediate need to address impunity in order to strengthen the rule of law and end human rights violations. For this to happen, it means that federal and regional institutions need to be capacitated with a clear policy on justice and police service. As the TFG is in the process of shaping a permanent federal constitution, it is timely to interact with appropriate actors, including government, parliament and civil society. We would appreciate to learn about the strategic approach that the Independent Expert intends to follow in relation to this.
Bearing in mind the many challenges faced by the TFG and the Somali people, the EU fully supports the extension of the mandate of the Independent Expert for another year.
The EU is keen to see the Human Rights Council do more on the situation of human rights in Somalia. We are open and willing to work with the Somalis and other interested parties on finding innovative, constructive and meaningful ways in which this Council can deal with this matter. I thank you, Mr. President.