Ambassador Bisa Williams
Senior Area Advisor for African Affairs
New York, New York
October 25, 2021
AS DELIVERED
We thank the independent expert for her report and commend Somalia for its cooperation with the independent expert.
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 urge Somalia to release all persons arbitrarily or unlawfully detained and to end the unlawful recruitment or use of child soldiers. It is critical that Somalia respect human rights, protect civilians, and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.
We also call on all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue so Somalia can continue its ongoing electoral process without disruption, in a manner that is free and fair, and in a timely fashion.
Question: As Somalia carries out its elections, how can we help mitigate against potential violence and abuse?
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