RES/10/32 Assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights

Human Rights Council

Tenth Session

Resolution 10/32. Assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Recalling its resolution 7/35 of 28 March 2008,

Reaffirming its respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity in Somalia,

Welcoming the positive political developments and progress made in the Djibouti peace process in Somalia, including the voluntary resignation of former President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed on 29 December 2008, 10 months ahead of the conclusion of his term, the convening of the Transitional Federal Parliament in Djibouti, the election of President Shaikh Sharif Sheik Ahmed on 30 January 2009, the endorsement by the Parliament of Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke on 14 February 2009 and the subsequent formation of a new Government,

Recalling its resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council and 5/2 on the code of conduct for special procedures mandate holders of the Council, of 18 June 2007,

Welcoming the commitment and efforts undertaken by the African Union to support Somali-led efforts towards reconciliation and stability and the efforts made by international and regional stakeholders to help Somalia re-establish stability, peace and security in its national territory, as well as the recent extension of the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia for an additional three months,

Reiterating that humanitarian, human rights and development assistance are of paramount importance to alleviate poverty and to promote a more peaceful, equitable and democratic society in Somalia,

1. Expresses its serious concern at the human rights and humanitarian situation in Somalia, and calls for an immediate end to all violations;

2. Takes note with appreciation of the work undertaken by the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia and of his report (A/HRC/10/85);

3. Invites the independent expert to continue his work until the end of September 2009, without prejudice to the relevant provision of Council resolution 5/1;

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4. Encourages in the meantime the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to reach a comprehensive agreement with Somali authorities on technical cooperation and human and institutional capacity-building at the national and regional level in the field of human rights inside Somalia, including for the legislative sector, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and education, as well as conducting public-awareness campaigns, all in line with the priorities and the framework determined by the Somali authorities, including, inter alia, the creation of the most favourable conditions for the work of the independent expert, in order to further renew his mandate;

5. Calls upon the international community to stand by the legitimate Somali institutions and to provide adequate, timely and tangible support in order to enhance their capacity, as part of an integrated approach that encompasses political, security and human rights dimensions;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the independent expert with all necessary human, technical and financial assistance in carrying out his mandate;

7. Requests the independent expert to present an update to his report to the Council at its twelfth session;

8. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

45th meeting 27 March 2009

[Adopted without a vote.]

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