A/HRC/24/40 VI. Some reflections on the situation in Somalia 93. After more than 20 tortuous years of armed hostilities, which still continue in some areas, Somalia has reached a turning point. While there is still a long way to go to return to normalcy, there are visible signs of change all around. The palpable improvements in the security situation in Mogadishu and in an increasing number of areas in the country is reflected in the return of an impressive number of people from the diaspora, including businessmen lured by the promises that have been made. Both international and United Nations flights to and from Mogadishu are full. Business activities and construction of buildings are on the rise. Though serious concerns remain about the security situation as a result, for example, of clan infighting in Kismayo and Jubaland, there are clear signs of hope in the air. 94. The new Government has won unprecedented public support and allegiance. The whole nation is agog with expectation. But many questions still engage the minds of the people. Will the trust they have placed in the new Government result in better governance? Will there be significant improvements in their lives? Will there be rule of law in Somalia, long forgotten by the people? Will there be mechanisms put in place to ensure protection of basic human rights and freedoms of the people? Will they have clearly identified authorities to turn to when in need? Will the Government be able to ensure basic security for the people and protect them from arbitrary behaviour of security forces, which have behaved at will in the past, with no accountability? Can the basic institutions and infrastructure, ravaged by the war, be rebuilt in a timely and prioritized manner? These and other questions now occupy the minds of the people as much as the fear of the continuing armed conflicts. But it is clear that fear has been overwhelmed by hope. The ball is clearly in the court of the Government. It must now play with it and play it well. VII. Recommendations 1. For the Federal Government and federal institutions 95. The people of Somalia are counting on their new Government to make good on the hopes it inspired when it took office in October 2012. While understandably there will be many impediments on the way, there should be no shortcomings in the commitment and determination of the Government. After so many years of chaos and lawlessness, people would like to see palpable progress towards good governance under the rule of law. If this happens, it will also enhance the credibility of the Government in the eyes of the international community, whose support will be crucial for reconstruction and development. The latter has been disillusioned in the past by the rampant greed and utter callousness of self-seeking leaders who plundered the nation and prospered at the expense of the people. The Government must deliver this time. 96. To benefit from public support, the Government should make its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms abundantly clear to the people. The adoption of a well-defined road map for human rights will help a great deal. The Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia reiterates the recommendations already submitted to the Government in this regard. He urges the Government to seek the views and expertise of relevant thematic mandate holders under the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. 97. An important priority of the Government should be the establishment of a cohesive security architecture (army, police, marine force) to consolidate the fragile security in Mogadishu, the coastal areas and the south-central region. The success of 18