Human Rights Council – 60th Session
Item 10 - Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Somalia
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
2 October 2025
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We remain deeply concerned about human rights violations and the humanitarian situation in Somalia. Continued displacement, driven by conflict and climate shocks, undermines access to essential services and livelihoods. The deepening humanitarian crisis, compounded by a sharp decline in humanitarian funding, continues to affect women and girls disproportionately. Further, the prevalence of high rates of sexual and gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation, remains alarming.
We are also disturbed by reports of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and extrajudicial executions. These violations undermine trust in institutions and must be addressed through transparent investigations and accountability.
We welcome Somalia’s commitments under the Somali Women’s Charter and urge full implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. We encourage Somalia to promote Women, Peace and Security as a key priority under their presidency at the Security Council.
We commend Somalia’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms and encourage further efforts to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice, especially for women and children.
Madam Independent Expert, in your view, how can we best support the monitoring and reporting on developments related to sexual and gender-based violence and the rights of children, including in the context of recent legislative processes?
I thank you.
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