STATEMENT
48th session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia
Intervention by Ambassador Morten Jespersen
Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations in Geneva on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
6 October 2021
I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We welcome Ms. Dyfan’s report and her efforts to produce it, under difficult circumstances.
While we recognise the progress Somalia has made, including on human rights, many serious challenges remain.
We are deeply concerned that Somalia is the conflict where most children are subject to rape and other sexual violence and abductions, and that children in overwhelming numbers are recruited to participate in armed conflict. We urge Somalia to address this.
We note with serious concern that violence against women and girls has increased during COVID-19 and encourage the adoption of sexual offenses legislation. We also encourage Somalia to ratify CEDAW. It is key that women are supported and perpetrators held to account.
We underscore the importance of commencing a legitimate election process in line with agreed time lines, ensure freedom of media, and to adopt a constitution that reflects Somalia’s human rights obligations.
Ms. Dyfan; how can we best support you in your mandate?
Thank you.