Statement 99 - Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Geneva, Switzerland

Address: Chemin des Fins 2, Case Postale 102, 1211 Geneva 19 - Telephone: 022 799 9100 - Fax: 022 799 9178

Human Rights Council - 13th Regular Session

Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia

Intervention by Australia 24 March 2010

Australia would like to commend Dr Bari for his efforts to highlight the terrible state of human rights in Somalia. We appreciate, in particular, his efforts to consult widely and ensure that his report includes the perspectives of the most vulnerable communities.

Australia shares the Independent Expert’s concern about the gravity of the situation in Somalia, one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. We agree that resolution of the conflict in Somalia is essential to relieving this human rights and humanitarian crisis.

Co-operation by all parties within Somalia and across the international community is essential to achieving lasting peace. To this end, Australia strongly supports the UN Security Council’s call for all foreign actors, both within and outside the Horn of Africa, to cease undermining the process towards peace and stability in Somalia. We note with deep concern the suspension of World Food Programme operations in south-central Somalia, particularly owing to threats from armed groups. We call on all parties to allow the safe delivery of food to vulnerable populations, particularly given the severe drought conditions in some parts of the country.

Australia welcomes the Independent Expert’s news of the significant reach of UNICEF’s activities in Somalia. However, we are deeply concerned by his observation that the situation for women and children in Somalia has become more precarious. In particular, we note the Independent Expert’s report of high numbers of indiscriminate attacks against civilians and the continued recruitment and use of child soldiers. We support the Independent Expert’s call for all parties in the conflict – government and opposition groups – to respect basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law and to protect civilians from further violence.

Australia takes this opportunity to reiterate its support for the Transitional Federal Government and to condemn recent attacks on its members. We share Dr Bari’s view that the Transitional Federal Government needs to demonstrate its determination and commitment to lead the country out of conflict. As the Independent Expert has noted, there is an immediate need to address impunity in order to strengthen the rule of law and end human rights violations.

In all of these endeavours, the Transitional Federal Government, given its limited capacity, will require the support of its regional and international partners. Noting the Independent Expert’s recommendations, Australia would be interested to hear the Independent Expert’s views on which areas, beyond the security sector, should be prioritised for financial and technical support from the international community.