A/HRC/27/71 I. Introduction 1. The Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia assumed his mandate in early June 2014, following his appointment by the Human Rights Council on 8 May 2014. The Independent Expert wishes to thank the Council for its confidence in entrusting him with the mandate and also wishes to pay tribute to his predecessor for his work. The Independent Expert pledges to continue working with the Federal Government of Somalia, the subnational authorities, the international community and civil society partners towards enhancing the enjoyment of the basic rights and fundamental freedoms by the people of Somalia, as they yearn to live in a peaceful and democratic society. 2. In view of the reporting obligation under Human Rights Council resolution 24/30, the Independent Expert made preliminary inquiries of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to organize a visit to Somalia in June-July 2014 following his appointment. However, it was not feasible to undertake a visit that would yield any meaningful outcomes, as the holy month of Ramadan was approaching. The Independent Expert also needed to complete the requisite security training prior to travelling to Somalia. As it turned out, Al-Shabaab insurgents increased their attacks on Mogadishu at that time of the year, another factor which would have made such a mission unlikely. 3. In the light of those constraints, the Independent Expert undertook extensive background research on the prevailing socioeconomic, political, security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Somalia. This included reviewing reports by the outgoing independent experts, key Security Council resolutions, Human Rights Council resolutions, in particular Human Rights Council resolution 24/30 on assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights, the reports of the High Commissioner on high-level dialogues on assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights, as well as other reports by various international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the human rights situation in Somalia. 4. The Independent Expert also took advantage of his presence from 18 to 19 July in Nairobi, where he was undertaking security training, to meet with various stakeholders including United Nations agencies, donor countries and civil society organizations with which he exchanged a broad range of ideas and views on his mandate and the human rights situation in Somalia. Thereafter, between 21 and 24 July, the Independent Expert held discussions with relevant United Nations agencies, permanent missions, international organizations and international NGOs based in Geneva. The Independent Expert also held extensive discussions with the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. 5. The visits to Geneva and Nairobi were undertaken at a time when reports of a sustained Al-Shabaab campaign of terror and violence were impacting on the human rights situation. In recent months, Mogadishu in particular has witnessed targeted assassinations of government officials, members of the Somali Federal Parliament and attacks on vital institutions such as the Parliament and the Villa Somalia, the seat of Government. The attacks caused loss of life to members of the security forces and civilians, including women and children. 6. In spite of the violence, celebrations were held on 1 July 2014 throughout the country to mark the fifty-fourth anniversary of Somalia’s independence from colonial rule. The violence carried out by Al-Shabaab did not deter the Somali people from celebrating and exercising their right to freedom of assembly. 3