A/HRC/RES/42/33
(f)
The development of and agreement on key policies and plans, including a
post-transition human rights road map, a national gender policy and a national plan of
action on eradicating sexual violence in conflict, as demonstrated by the endorsement of the
Women’s Charter for Somalia at the Somali Women’s Convention, held from 4 to 6 March
2019;
(g)
Progress on key legislation, such as the enactment of the child protection bill,
the female genital mutilation bill and the disability bill, progress towards the adoption of a
bill on sexual offences, and the implementation of a media law, through consultation with
media organizations and civil society organizations, to provide a framework for upholding
freedom of expression;
(h)
The continued cooperation with the Independent Expert on the situation of
human rights in Somalia, the cooperation with the special representatives of the SecretaryGeneral, including the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the
Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, and the pledge by Somalia to
develop a new national action plan to end sexual violence in conflict following the visit by
the relevant Special Representative;
(i)
The arrest of soldiers over the past year for allegedly torturing and
threatening journalists and the arrest of soldiers accused of sexual exploitation and abuse,
which sends a strong message from the Federal Government for accountability, and is
hopeful that these actions foster further efforts to combat impunity;
(j)
The Government’s recent launch of a social work programme with human
rights as a key curriculum learning area at several Somali universities, which seeks to build
a social welfare workforce that is capable of enhancing the resilience of communities and
of ensuring enjoyment of human rights, and to promote gender equality-based responses to
individuals and families who have experienced violence and abuse;
2.
Also welcomes the continued commitment of the Federal Government to the
universal periodic review process, and in this regard further welcomes its acceptance of the
many recommendations made during the review and encourages their implementation;
3.
Expresses concern at the reports of violations and abuses of human rights in
Somalia, including by all armed actors, underscores the need to uphold respect for human
rights for all and to hold accountable all those responsible for such violations and abuses
and related crimes, including those committed against children, women and girls, such as
the unlawful recruitment and use of child soldiers and children in armed conflict, killing
and maiming, rape and other sexual and gender-based violence, child early and forced
marriage and all forms of female genital mutilation, and emphasizes the importance that
recaptured child soldiers be recognized as victims and the need to establish and implement
rehabilitation and reintegration programmes;
4.
Expresses concern that internally displaced persons, including those who
may be vulnerable, who may include women, children, young persons, persons with
disabilities and persons belonging to minority groups, are the most at risk of violence,
abuse and violations;
5.
Also expresses concern at the attacks against and harassment of human rights
defenders and the media in Somalia, including journalists, especially in the form of
harassment, arbitrary arrest or prolonged detention, and emphasizes the need to promote
respect for freedom of expression and opinion and to end impunity, holding accountable
those who commit any such related crimes;
6.
Recognizes that the exposure and sensitivity of Somalia to climate change
and environmental degradation is vast and structural, and that this vulnerability is a driver
of fragility, conflict and humanitarian need;
7.
Also recognizes the efforts of those States hosting Somali refugees, urges all
host States to meet their obligations under international law relating to refugees, and urges
the international community to continue to provide financial support to enable host States to
meet the humanitarian needs of Somali refugees in the region, to support the reintegration
of those returning to Somalia when conditions are suitable, and to support internally
displaced persons in Somalia;
3