A/HRC/25/45 III. Summary of interventions at plenary discussions 12. During the plenary discussions, the following delegations took the floor: Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the European Union, France, Gabon (on behalf of the African Group), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Sierra Leone, the State of Palestine (on behalf of the Arab Group), the Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. The following non-governmental organizations contributed to the discussion: the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, Human Rights Watch, the International Development Law Organization, International Educational Development, Inc., and the International Federation of Journalists. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also took the floor, as an intergovernmental organization. 13. Many delegations noted that the convening of the interactive dialogue indicated the importance placed by the international community on the stability and prosperity of Somalia. It was also seen as a reaffirmation of the determination of the international community, and of the renewed commitment of all stakeholders, to support the Government of Somalia in its efforts towards peace-building, stabilization and economic development. Several delegations welcomed the continued engagement of the Independent Expert, and his valuable support and assistance to Somalia, and took note of the decision by the Security Council to upgrade the engagement of the United Nations in Somalia via the establishment of a political mission in-country. 14. Many delegations commended the Government of Somalia on its positive and constructive engagement with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and on its robust engagement with the international community. The delegations welcomed the adoption of a post-transition human rights road map, noting that this demonstrated the Government’s commitment and political will to institutionalize respect for human rights. The announcement of the decision to establish a ministry of human rights and to designate 27 August as national human rights day in Somalia was also welcomed. Delegations acknowledged the steps taken by the Government of Somalia to improve the human rights situation, such as introducing key human rights legislation into Parliament — including on establishing a national human rights commission, an Ombudsman’s office, a judicial service commission, and a constitutional court, as well as adopting and initiating the implementation of a national stabilization plan. 15. Several delegations pointed out, however, that despite some positive developments in the area of human rights, there were still serious challenges. The main challenges were to rebuild state institutions based on the rule of law and respect for human rights, and to provide basic services such as health and education. Many delegations expressed concern about the situation of internally displaced persons and refugees, the high rates of sexual and gender-based violence, and the continuing targeted attacks and killing of human rights defenders and journalists. Impunity for human rights violations was also raised as a major concern. 16. With respect to the security situation, many delegations stated that this remained of serious concern, and noted that ending the conflict in Somalia was not only crucial for ensuring the stability of the Government but also for fostering global security. Some delegations stated that terrorism remained a major threat to establishing an environment conducive to the advancement of human rights, and recommended that addressing the political and security situation in Somalia should be done in parallel with ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights. While condemning the terrorist attack on the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, many delegations stressed that it reinforced the need for the international community to further support the Government of Somalia to consolidate peace and stability. They stated that the security situation in Somalia could not 6