Statement [Made on Behalf of the Security Council, at the 6494th Meeting, 10 Mar. 2011, in Connection with the Council's Consideration of the Item Entitled "the Situation in Somalia"]

S/PRST/2011/6View PDF

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

A Presidential Statement of the Security Council, under agenda item 84 The situation in Somalia, published in 2011.

What subjects does this mandate have?

13 subjects

Arms Embargo Counter-Terrorism Financial Resources Human Rights in Armed Conflicts Humanitarian Assistance Internal Security Peacebuilding Piracy Reconciliation Relief Personnel Robbery Somalia Territorial Sea

What’s in this document?

16 paragraphs

At the 6494th meeting of the Security Council, held on 10 March 2011, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in Somalia”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council stresses the need for a comprehensive strategy to encourage the establishment of peace and stability in Somalia through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in the fields of political process, security sector building, humanitarian relief, protection of civilians, human rights, socio-economic development, counter-terrorism and combating piracy. The Council reiterates its grave concern at the continued instability in Somalia which has led to a multitude of problems, including terrorism, acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia and a dire humanitarian situation.

“The Security Council reaffirms its support for the Djibouti Agreement as the basis for the resolution of the conflict in Somalia. It urges the Transitional Federal Institutions to broaden and consolidate the reconciliation process, intensify efforts to complete the outstanding transitional tasks and prioritize the timely completion of the constitution and the delivery of basic services to the population, paving the ground for a better future for Somalis, including their economic and social development and the realization of their human rights.

“The Security Council welcomes the work of Mr. Augustine P. Mahiga, Special Representative of the Secretary General, to support the Somali people in reaching agreement on post-transitional arrangements in consultation with the international community. It strongly urges the Transitional Federal Institutions to engage in this process in a more constructive, open and transparent manner that promotes broader political dialogue and participation in line with the spirit of the Djibouti Agreement. The Council requests the Secretary General to assess, in his regular reports delivered to the Council before the end of the transitional period, the respect for these principles. These principles are essential for future co-operation between the international community and the Transitional Federal Institutions. The Security Council notes that the transitional period will end in August 2011. The Council regrets the decision by the Transitional Federal Parliament to extend its mandate unilaterally and without carrying out necessary reforms and urges the Transitional Federal Institutions to refrain from any further unilateral action.

“The Security Council expresses its strong support for the work of SRSG Mahiga, welcomes his efforts and those of the UN, and calls for an increased UN presence and increased coherence of UN activities in Somalia.

“The Security Council affirms the importance of the development of government institutions and the strengthening of civilian capacity building across Somalia, including ensuring the participation of women in public life, the prevention and resolution of conflict, peacebuilding and socio-economic reconstruction. The Council urges the international community to mobilize additional support to the TFG, local and regional administrations in this regard.

“The Security Council expresses its serious concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in Somalia, and the impact of the current drought, which have left over 2 million Somalis in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and have resulted in significantly higher flows of refugees to neighbouring countries. The Security Council also expressed concern at the continuing decline in humanitarian funding for Somalia. The Security Council commends the work of humanitarian aid workers and urges all member states to contribute to current and future consolidated humanitarian appeals.

“The Security Council strongly condemns the targeting and obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian aid by Al-Shabaab and other armed groups in Somalia and demands that all parties ensure full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid.

“The Security Council emphasizes the importance of strengthening the Somali Security forces including the development of effective command and control. While emphasizing the Somalis hold the primary responsibility for achieving political stability, security and the rule of law, the Council urges member States and regional and international organizations to contribute generously and promptly to the United Nations Trust Fund for the Somali security institutions, and to provide assistance to the Somali security forces.

“The Security Council recognizes the progress made by AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces in consolidating security and stability in Mogadishu. The Council deeply regrets the loss of life in the recent fighting and recognizes the significant sacrifices made by AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces. The Council expresses its sincere gratitude to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda for their commitment to AMISOM, and expresses its condolences to them and to the TFG and the Somali people.

“The Security Council condemns all attacks, including terrorist attacks on the Transitional Federal Government, AMISOM, and the civilian population by armed opposition groups, and foreign fighters, particularly Al Shabaab.

“The Security Council stresses the importance of predictable, reliable and timely resources for AMISOM in order for it to better fulfil its mandate. The Security Council calls on the international community to make contributions urgently and without caveats to the UN Trust Fund for AMISOM or directly in support of AMISOM. It notes the recommendations on Somalia of the Africa Union Peace and Security Council of 15 October 2010 and underlines its intention to keep the situation under review. It encourages the full deployment of 4000 additional AMISOM troops as authorized by the Security Council Resolution 1964 as soon as possible.

“The Security Council stresses the responsibility of all parties and armed groups in Somalia to comply with their obligations to protect the civilian population from the effects of hostilities, in particular by avoiding any indiscriminate or excessive use of force. The Security Council expresses deep concern about the continuing violations and abuses committed against children in Somalia by parties to the conflict and urges the immediate implementation of all conclusions of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in Somalia.

“The Security Council remains gravely concerned about the threat posed by piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia, especially by the extended range of the piracy threat into the western Indian Ocean, the increase in pirate capacities and the increasing violence by the pirates. The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms such violence, including hostage taking, murder and other acts of violence against individuals. The Security Council recognizes that the ongoing instability in Somalia contributes to the problem of piracy and armed robbery and stresses the need for a comprehensive response to tackle piracy and its underlying causes.

“The Security Council calls upon all Member States, in particular those in the region, to refrain from any action in contravention of the Somalia and Eritrea arms embargo and to take all necessary steps to hold violators accountable, and affirms the importance of enhancing the monitoring of the Somalia and Eritrea arms embargoes through persistent and vigilant investigation into the violations, bearing in mind that strict enforcement of the arms embargoes will improve the overall security situation in the region.

“The Security Council welcomes the endeavors of the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other regional organizations to promote peace and stability in Somalia and reiterates its full support to AMISOM and its troop and police contributing countries, especially Burundi and Uganda.”

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