A/HRC/21/36 security and logistical and administrative support for the Unit, its integration into a political mission has been perceived by some as having compromised independence and impartiality. The Unit is also a member of the United Nations country team. 93. With the end of the transition period in sight, a comprehensive review of the strategy and presence of the United Nations in Somalia will be undertaken with a view to establish a sound basis for the Organization’s presence and activities during the next phase. This strategic review, however, goes beyond coordination in the realm of human rights and will be considered by the Security Council in due course. IV. Observations and recommendations 94. Ending the conflict in Somalia will have a significant positive impact on the situation of human rights in the country. Years of violent conflict have taken a toll on the Somali population, with serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law over the years. The recent progress in the country’s political transition, including the formation of the National Federal Parliament, the adoption of a provisional Constitution and the election of a new President in September 2012, is a welcome development and presents an unprecedented opportunity to advance human rights. It is therefore critical that international assistance to the Government of Somalia be strengthened in the field of human rights, including through an increased presence of the United Nations. 95. The participation of women in decision-making processes and the protection and promotion of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights are essential to sustainable peace and must therefore remain a central pillar in the political process in Somalia. Existing military and political strategies must therefore be accompanied by an increased engagement in the area of human rights. 96. While the Somali authorities bear the primary responsibility to protect and promote human rights, international human rights law and humanitarian law also impose obligations on non-State armed groups to respect and protect the rights of persons in areas under their control. All parties to the conflict should therefore adhere strictly to them. 97. In keeping with the United Nations human rights due diligence policy, security sector assistance provided to the parties to the conflict in Somalia should take into account the parties’ obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law and should be suspended when serious violations continue or remain unaddressed. Furthermore, when there are substantial grounds for suspecting a recipient of United Nations support of committing human rights abuses or anyone with command responsibility over those committing human rights abuses, they should be suspended from duty, pending credible investigations. The Somali authorities should put in place vetting processes, command structures, internal disciplinary mechanisms and independent oversight mechanisms to ensure human rightscompliant forces and integrate human rights in police training programmes. A civilian casualty tracking system should be prioritized and conflict-related detention brought into line with international standards. Measures should also be taken to prevent violence, including sexual violence against women, and to ensure safety for women and girls in camps for the internally displaced. This should include activating the Transitional Federal Government task force to develop a strategy to prevent and respond to the phenomenon of sexual violence. The Somali authorities are also responsible for the protection of journalists and human rights defenders and should 17