24th session of the Human Rights Council

Item 10

Stand-alone high-level ID on Somalia

Intervention by Turkey

Mr. President,

We would like to warmly welcome His Excellency Abdi Farah Shirdon, Prime Minister of Somalia and his delegation.

It is indeed a distinct honor for my delegation to participate in this interactive dialogue held in accordance with the relevant Council decision of which we are proud to be one of the main sponsors.

We congratulate the Somali Federal Government for the adoption of the Human Rights Road Map and the decision to create a Ministry for Human Rights. This clearly demonstrates the political will of the Somali Government to institutionalize the respect for human rights.

Despite the outstanding progress, Somalia still risks setbacks. The fragility of the security system and relations between Mogadishu and the local administrations remain as the main challenges.

Moreover, terrorism is the main threat for the establishment of an environment conducive to the advancement of human rights in Somalia. The urgency of rebuilding and restructuring Somalia’s security forces and the justice sector is clear. Attacks against all of us, who are in Somalia to assist the people, send a warning to accelerate the implementation of security sector reforms. We were appalled by the attack against our Embassy and the UN Compound in Mogadishu. It will not deter us however, but only further strengthen our resolve and commitment.

On the political field, we must encourage the regional and local governments and entities to increase their dialogue with the Somali Government. The finalization of the federal constitution will establish confidence between them. In this regard, we welcome the recent Vision 2016 Conference organized by the Federal Government. The international community needs to assist the government in setting up essential public services in all regional administrations.

Reconciliation is yet another critical issue. We are glad to see that the Somalia-Somaliland dialogue which Turkey is hosting in Istanbul every three months is moving in the right direction.

In order to uphold the positive momentum in Somalia, it is crucial to pursue a holistic strategy, based on the “Six-Pillar Policy” of the Federal Government. Focusing solely on security would not suffice on its own. Progress should be secured on all the pillars.

In line with our desire to see a safe and prosperous Somalia we will continue to support our Somali sisters and brothers.

Thank you Mr. President