Thank you, Chair.

Ms Dyfan, the European Union thanks you for your latest report and reiterates our full support to your mandate. In light of UNSOM’s transition, we support your suggestion to adjust your mandate, to strengthen key human rights mechanisms.

The EU commends the Federal Government of Somalia for its efforts in combating and mitigating climate change, including its impact on human rights, by for instance joining the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance. The EU further welcomes progress in strengthening the country’s legislative and institutional framework to fulfil international human rights obligations. While some progress has been made, we encourage the Federal Government to fulfil its current commitments, including through the rapid establishment of the human rights commission mandated by law in 2016.

The EU is deeply concerned by the continued recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, especially by Al-Shabaab. The Federal Government can strengthen its efforts against these violations, including by ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, to avoid the recruitment of children by clan militia “community defence forces” participating alongside Somali security forces.

Additionally, the EU remains concerned about conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, mostly committed by Al-Shabab, as well as the recurrence of female genital mutilation. The ratification by the Federal Government of Somalia of the Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women would be a significant step. We are also concerned by potential backsliding in the promotion and protection of women’s rights. Women’s political participation—including the 30% quota at all levels of government, including the cabinet—is vital for Somalia’s future.

Madam Independent Expert, in your opinion, how can the international community best support Somalia and ensure further positive developments in strengthening Somalia’s legislative and institutional frameworks?