STATEMENT OF THE UNITED STATES

On the Report of the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights
in Somalia

Delivered by Ms. Velia M. DePirro
U.S. Mission Alternate Representative, Human Rights Council
Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Thank you, Mr. President.


The United States welcomes the independent expert’s report on the situation of human rights in Somalia.
We appreciate the insightful assessment of the situation throughout Somalia, and we recognize the thoroughness in the expert’s efforts in meeting with concerned individuals from local, regional, and state institutions, as well as a number of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and UN teams.

We would like to draw particular attention to the plight of internally displaced people in Somalia. While we note the slight gains that have been made in some areas, we also note the unmet needs for better coordination and assistance for this population.

Additionally, we also agree with the findings of the independent expert regarding the importance of the protection of freedom of speech for all individuals, and in particular those who monitor and bring attention to human rights abuses in the region, such as journalists and civil society organizations.


We have two questions for the independent expert:

• First, what impact have efforts to reform the coordination of humanitarian assistance had in regard to the special protection needs of internally displaced people?
  
  
• Second, do you have any thoughts on the possibilities for better partnership and coordination among civil society organizations in the region and international organizations such as the UN country team?