A/HRC/18/48
only contribute to nation-building in Somalia but also become important players for
confidence and peacebuilding. To begin with, they could help fulfil the dream of the new
Prime Minster, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, who told the independent expert that his
Government wished to open at least one school and one hospital every month in Somalia.
74.
The independent expert found his meeting with the new Prime Minister of Somalia
and his cabinet colleagues in early July in Mogadishu to be very encouraging. The new
Prime Minister has clearly brought some vitality to the Government. The fact that he was
endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Somali Members of Parliament, a rare
phenomenon, is a positive sign. He understands well the key challenges of governance in
Somalia at this critical juncture of its history. His commitment to deal with them in a robust
manner made a positive impression on the independent expert.
75.
The independent expert agreed with the Prime Minister that the expectations of the
international community from the Transitional Federal Government must be based on
realistic considerations, keeping in mind the needs, capacity and resources of the
Government. He also agreed that there was a need to clearly spell out the commitments of
both the international community and the Government and, once obtained, to stick to them.
However, the independent expert emphasized that, in view of the long history of distrust of
the international community about the ability and willingness of the Government to ensure
an efficient and corruption-free system of governance in Somalia, there was a need to
establish trust and confidence on both sides. In this respect, the independent expert was
pleased to learn from the Prime Minister that his Government was committed to a financial
control mechanism to ensure proper utilization of international assistance. He would like to
see the international community take up the offer of the Prime Minister to be a member of
the Financial Integrity Board that the Government intends to set up.
76.
Once trust is established, it is hoped that the international community will be
encouraged to provide the Transitional Federal Government and the people of Somalia with
assistance commensurate to their needs. The independent expert was pained to learn from
the United Nations that the 2011 Consolidated Appeal for the Annual Programme for
Somalia has to date been only half-funded. Taking into account the additional needs caused
by the prolonged drought, the shortfall is predicted to be about 70 per cent. This will be a
sad state of affairs.
77.
The independent expert learned from the United Nations that, because of insufficient
funding, it was unable to respond properly to the enormous needs caused by the
unprecedented drought in Somalia. This is unfortunate not only because of its impact on
famine relief, but also because it means fewer funds at a critical time, when the transition
period is expected to conclude in a year’s time, when the Transitional Federal Government
will yield its place to a constitutionally established Government. The independent expert
cannot over-emphasize the point that there is now an important opportunity for the
international community to work closely with the new Government and take advantage of
the momentum created.
78.
The independent expert also believes that the time is ripe now for the international
community to work together with the Government to implement the commitment made by
the Transitional Federal Government at the universal periodic review of Somalia, held in
May 2011. The Government should be commended for its commitment to promote and
protect human rights in Somalia even in the midst of war. It must now be helped to turn its
commitments into reality. The role of the international community and the United Nations
is critical in this regard.
79.
An important point emerged from the discussions held by the independent expert
with the AMISOM Force Commander at Mogadishu Airport on 26 February 2011. The
Commander reminded the independent expert about the visit in 2009 of the Under-
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