U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Somalia

 38^th session, May 6, 2021

As Delivered by Charles Bentley 

The United States warmly welcomes the Somali delegation. 

We recommend that Somalia:    

1. Resolve its electoral crisis, continue dialogue, exercise maximum restraint to avoid inflaming tensions, and avoid further unilateral actions that will destroy progress made;

2. Promote freedom of expression by preventing harassment, intimidation, beatings, bribes, and arbitrary arrests of independent journalists; 

3. Create a national action plan to end conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, working with the United Nations to re-introduce the draft sexual offences bill of 2018; and 

4. Strengthen enforcement of the legal right to a fair and public trial by strengthening protections for an independent judiciary and ending the use of corrupt military court systems for accused civilians.  

We welcome President Farmaajo and Parliament’s House of the People’s return to the September 17, 2020 agreement.  With Prime Minister Roble overseeing the electoral process, including security arrangements, the United States encourages all parties to meet immediately without preconditions and engage in a collaborative and transparent manner.  We stand ready to support elections as soon as possible.