Human Rights Council - 15th Regular Session
Stand-alone dialogue with Somalia
Australian statement
by H.E. Peter Woolcott, Permanent Representative
29 September 2010
Australia was pleased to play a role in supporting this stand-alone interactive dialogue when it was first proposed in June 2010. We commend Somalia, through Ambassador Bari-Bari, for its proactive approach and leadership in seeking the assistance of the international community, through this Council. And we also commend the African Group. This dialogue sets a new and positive precedent for the Human Rights Council, to promote and protect human rights in close cooperation and partnership with the Government and people of Somalia.
Australia warmly welcomes the presence here today of the distinguished members of the panel, and in particular, the Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia. We are grateful for their insights into the specific challenges and concerns faced by Somalia.
One of the challenges appears to be ensuring greater coherence and integration amongst the UN agencies working in Somalia, and ensuring that their activities are specifically focused on protecting human rights and humanitarian law. We have been pleased to hear from the panel members on how the UN can improve its coordination on the ground.
We welcome the Somali Government’s request to this Council for assistance in identifying practical steps that can be taken to improve the situation in Somalia, and assistance in ensuring follow-up to agreed benchmarks. We welcome the views of the panel – in particular, from the (Office of the) High Commissioner for Human Rights – on the steps it plans to take to do this.
The solution to Somalia’s enduring political, security and humanitarian crisis will be Somali. But the international community and this Council must play its part in helping Somalia find its way through this crisis.
Finally, Australia joins the Security Council in condemning the terrorist attacks on the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), AMISOM and the civilian population, by armed groups and foreign fighters – including Al Shabaab - who undermine peace and security in Somalia.