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Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia
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October 6, 2021

Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia

Human Rights Council – 48th Session

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

As Delivered by Patrick Elliot, Human Rights Officer

Thank you, Madame High Commissioner. We thank the independent expert for his excellent report and commend Somalia for its cooperation with him.

The United States remains concerned by Somalia’s human rights situation, including reports of unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, unlawful recruitment or use of child soldiers, and curtailment of freedom of expression, including through attacks on and intimidation of journalists.

We call on Somalia to release all persons arbitrarily or unlawfully detained and to end the unlawful use and recruitment of child soldiers. Somalia must respect human rights, protect civilians, and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations.

We additionally call on all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue so Somalia can continue its ongoing electoral process without disruption and in an inclusive, transparent, and timely fashion.

Our Question Is: As Somalia implements its elections, how can we mitigate against potential political violence and abuse? Thank you