A/HRC/15/48
violations, or similar mechanism to investigate all abuses committed by all actors
involved in the Somali conflict, including those committed in the past, and recommend
ways forward for accountability.
81.
The United Nations should take the lead to ensure technical support to increase
AMISOM efforts to protect civilians, including proper equipment to the forces to
minimize risks of civilian casualties. It is imperative for the success of its mission that
AMISOM is seen by the local population as their friend, which unfortunately has not
always been the case. In consultation with AMISOM, a strategy should be developed
to address the allegations of indiscriminate and disproportionate response.
82.
Innovative ways must be developed to ensure medical/health services for people
in the war–affected areas. It is heartening to learn that the United Nations has
managed to support hospitals to provide emergency services in seven regions of south–
central Somalia and that nearly 800 health–care workers have been trained in various
fields. But these efforts are not enough. There should be special coordination between
all United Nations agencies involved in this field, and with AMISOM, which extends
its medical services to the population within its reach.
83.
Similar coordination is also necessary in the field of education which has been
most affected by the conflict over the last two decades. It is heartening to note from
United Nations reports that since the beginning of the year, access to emergency
education was increased through the construction of classrooms, rehabilitation of
learning spaces and installation of school tents and training of school teachers. But
these are mainly in areas within the reach of the international community. What
about those which are within the control of the militants? There is a need for
innovative ways to promote education in these areas through arrangements with the
local authorities and population. In this regard, rapport with Somali CSOs/NGOs is
essential.
84.
The United Nations should explore all possibilities to develop/maintain dialogue
with all parties on the ground in order to improve humanitarian access to vulnerable
areas and people. Where the United Nations is unable to operate, local arrangements
should be made.
85.
Specific and systematic focus must be given on sustainable livelihoods. Special
attention should be given on creating jobs for the youth, keeping in mind that one way
of combating terrorism is to deny terrorist organizations recruits. The lack of
livelihood and alternative sources of income drives many youths to join the insurgents.
86.
It is imperative that the United Nations offices for Somalia, presently based in
Nairobi, are moved to safer places in Somalia itself as soon as possible. The United
Nations and its personnel should be where the victims are. There are many relatively
junior employees of the United Nations who have long been braving the situation in
the field and doing a splendid job. There cannot be any reason why the senior officials
could not also be there.
87.
It is heartening to note that the United Nations itself has now suggested that
significant “light footprint” should be established in Mogadishu by the end of 2010.
Such a presence would boost the various efforts of the United Nations and TFG
referred to above. However, should the situation in Mogadishu continue to be
precarious over a longer period of time, alternative arrangements to operate from
elsewhere within Somalia should be considered.
88.
The announcement by the new Special Representative of the Secretary–General
for Somalia that he intends to move United Nations offices, presently based in Nairobi,
to Puntland and Somaliland by October 2010 is most welcome. While it may not be
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