Joint press stakeout on behalf of the signatories to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Shared Commitments on Security Council meeting on Somalia

We, the Security Council signatories of the Statement of Shared Commitments for the principles of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), have come together once again to prioritise the WPS agenda during our terms on the Security Council.

Today the Council convenes to discuss the situation in Somalia.

The continued attacks by Al-Shabaab and other armed groups against the backdrop of a dire humanitarian situation, a challenging political process and the ongoing drought has exacerbated protection risks and pre-existing inequities, especially among Somalia’s displaced population, of whom 80% are women and children. We echo UNSOM’s call for a more gender-inclusive humanitarian response and for creating a safe environment for women and girls and recognise Somalia's efforts to promote national unity and combat Al-Shabaab.

The climate crisis is precipitating an increase in sexual and gender-based violence in areas of displacement. We further call for sexual and gender-based violence prevention and responses to be mainstreamed into Somalia’s drought response and famine prevention plan and for women’s participation in the elaboration of this plan.

We are deeply alarmed by the shocking increases in sexual and gender-based violence in Somalia. It is critical for the Federal Government of Somalia to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence without delay, based on a survivor-centred approach. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and all perpetrators must be held accountable.

We recognise that political accountability and gender-inclusive governance can be achieved only when women are included in formal decision-making forums. Exclusionary political processes threaten lasting peace, stability, gender equality and recovery in Somalia. Despite commitments to the 30 percent quota, women’s representation remains low.

We encourage the full, equal, and meaningful participation and representation of women and efforts toward gender equality of women in the electoral, legislative, judicial, and economic spheres, and in the National Consultative Council discussions and the constitutional review process. Women in political positions continue to face intimidation, harassment, and violence. The election of Sadiya Yasin Haji Samatar, the first woman to hold the post of First Deputy Speaker is a commendable achievement, but threats made against her and other politically exposed women, must cease and, if necessary, protective measures put in place. Safeguarding, promoting, and increasing women’s political participation must remain a critical priority.

We welcome the launch of the Somalia Action Plan to implement the Somali Women’s Charter and the National Action Plan on Security Council Resolution 1325 and support its full implementation. We also welcome the adoption of the Ministry of Defence’s human rights policy, which urges full compliance of the Somali National Army troops to prevent all forms of sexual violence, and initiatives undertaken by the Government of Somalia and the UN as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. We encourage the Federal Government of Somalia to consider ratifying and implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and to strengthen the legislative framework to enhance the protection of women and girls against sexual and gender-based violence.