Security Council enhances role of UN support office in Somalia.
Emphasizing
the role and impact of a responsive, effective and field support platform as a
"strategic enabler in Somalia," and in view of the expansion of
UNSOA"s mission since its establishment in 2009, the Council decided that
UNSOA would become the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and provide support
to the African Union Mission (AMISOM), the UN Assistance Mission (UNSOM) and
the Somali National Army on joint operations with AMISOM.
The
Council"s action came at a Ministerial-level meeting chaired by the
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom
Philip Hammond, whose country holds this month"s presidency of
the15-member, body and at which UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the
successful collaboration of the UN and the African Union (AU) and also lauded
the efforts and achievements of UNSOA.
"We can
do even more with the new UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). I am committed
to strengthening our collaboration,"said Mr. Ban in remarks delivered by
Chef de Cabinet Susana Malcorra.
He also
applauded the efforts and sacrifices made by AMISOM and said the "UN will
not waver in our commitment to this mission."
On growing
extremism in the country, the UN chief stressed that military operations alone
will not defeat Al Shabaab. "That requires greater investments in
community security, human rights, justice and economic opportunity” especially
for youth. We must denounce the propaganda of Al Shabaab, address the
grievances that drive recruitment, and open the way for all to renounce
violence," said Mr. Ban reiterating his call to the Security Council to
support a comprehensive approach that addresses the Al Shabaab threat.
Mr. Ban said
that the best way to "weaken the pull of extremism is to strengthen
people"s chances for a better future."
"That
is why I also urge the international community to increase its contributions to
the "New Deal Somalia Compact" before its review in Istanbul in
February. An investment in the people of Somalia will also benefit security in
the region and the world," added Mr. Ban.
The UN chief
also expressed hope that next year could be "momentous" as the
country could possibly transition to a democracy following a transfer of
powers.
"A
peaceful, constitutional transition of power would mark an extraordinary
milestone on Somalia"s path to democracy. The new National Consultative
Forum is responsible for agreeing on the modalities for the process. I urge the
Federal Government to actively engage as many people as possible, including
women, youth and minorities," said Mr. Ban.
He further
urged Somali leaders to end the process of consolidating a federal system by
the end of 2016 and added that the leaders must ensure "genuine, inclusive
reconciliation in all regions."
"Progress
on the provisional constitution in the next few months is essential. I welcome
the commitment of Somali leaders to re-energize the delayed review," added
the Secretary-General.
He stressed
that it is imperative to ensure that military and political strategies are
fully aligned, to redouble the efforts to strengthen Somali security forces
"so they can secure the country for the long-term."
Moreover, he
noted that Somali women and girls suffering from poverty, violence and abuse
must be provided opportunities in decision-making and urged the Government to
work to exceed the goal of 30 per cent representation of women in Parliament.
"Guaranteeing
basic human rights is essential to offering a credible alternative to
extremism. I have repeatedly stressed that all operations against violent
extremism "anywhere and under any conditions "must fully respect human
rights," said Mr. Ban.
The UN chief
also highlighted the humanitarian situation in Somalia and said that nearly 3.2
million people in the country need assistance to survive and added that the
"dire situation is growing worse."
"Over
the past six months, more people have lost their ability to feed their
families. More children suffer from acute malnutrition. Most of these are
internally displaced, living under the constant threat of forced evictions and
abuse," he said.
Further, Mr.
Ban said that although the region is in danger of excessive flooding and
drought, the Humanitarian Response Plan is only 36 per cent funded which could
lead to inadequacy in successfully carrying out life-saving programmes.
"Donors can make the difference between life and death” and that can help
move Somalia toward greater stability and peace," he said.
Lastly, the
he urged active support from the Security Council and the international
community to help the UN "defeat the threat of terrorism and realize the
vision of Somalis for a united federal country."
"The
United Nations will continue to do everything possible to achieve political
progress, boost security, promote human rights and relieve suffering," he
concluded.
Security Council enhances role of UN support office in Somalia.
The Security Council today approved a successor operation to the six-year-old United Nations Support Office for the African Union Mission to Somalia, known as UNSOA, underlining the role of the new entity to close gaps in UNSOA"s ability to deli