Fifth Session of the Human Rights Council

Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia

U.S. Statement delivered by Jan Levin
Senior Human Rights Officer

Geneva,
June 12,  2007

Thank you, Mr. President. 

Sustainable security and stability in Somalia continue to be impeded by extremists seeking to destabilize Mogadishu, tensions and a lack of trust between clans, populations displaced by fighting, and delays in the deployment of troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). 

In order to assist in the sustainable stabilization of Somalia, the United States seeks to: 1) support the establishment of a stable national government based on national reconciliation; 2) promote security and stability on the ground – which includes combating terrorism; and 3) respond to the humanitarian needs of the Somali people. 

As part of the U.S commitment to support stabilization, President Bush appointed a Special Envoy for Somalia to lead U.S. efforts toward achieving these objectives.  Special Envoy Yates will play a central role in engaging with the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), clan elders, the Somali business community, civil society, and other Somali stakeholders.  Special Envoy will also engage with key regional and international partners, including the African Union, the Arab League, the United Nations, and members of the International Contact Group on Somalia. 

Mr. President, we would like to ask the independent expert how can we work together to ensure that human rights are defended in Somalia, and what he considers the most appropriate way for this Council express its human rights concerns about Somalia. 

Thank you very much.