Danish Statement for the ID with the IE on the situation of human rights in Somalia

UNGA Third Committee

ID with the IE on the situation of human rights in Somalia

Intervention by Denmark, 22 October 2021

Thank you.

Denmark welcomes 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 remain deeply concerned that the conflict in Somalia is the most dangerous for children in the world. Somalia is the country where most children are subject to rape and other sexual violence and abductions, and children in overwhelming numbers are being recruited and used in armed conflict. Al Shabaab are the main perpetrator of these offenses, but all actors should be held accountable. We urge Somalia to address this issue, and ensure a children’s rights bill is passed in line with international standards.

We are alarmed by the increase in reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence against women and children amid the COVID19-pandemic and by the recent regression in protection of all women, girls and children’s rights. We encourage Somalia to pass sexual offenses legislation in line with the Cabinet approved 2018 draft bill. We also urge Somalia to ratify the Convention of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 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, end arrests and harassment of human rights defenders, journalists and media workers and to adopt a constitution that honours Somalia’s human rights obligations.

We welcome the efforts of the Federal Government and Federal Member States in strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights, also with respect to the advocacy and implementation of human rights commitments in Somalia and its engagement with the international human rights system, including the UN Treaty Bodies and the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Somalia’s continued support for the mandate of the Independent Expert will be an important indicator of its willingness to further engage constructively with the international community.

Denmark stands ready to continue working with Somalia in strengthening the human rights protection for its people.

Thank you.