A/HRC/25/45 I. Introduction 1. In decision 23/114, adopted during its twenty-third session in June 2013, the Human Rights Council decided to hold a “stand-alone high-level interactive dialogue with the aim of exploring how all stakeholders can work effectively towards the finalization and implementation of the road map and the realization of human rights in Somalia”. The interactive dialogue was held during the twenty-fourth session of the Council, on 24 September 2013. 2. The interactive dialogue was moderated by the President of the Human Rights Council, Remigiusz Henczel. The United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Flavia Pansieri, made opening remarks, which were followed by presentations by the panellists, namely Abdi Farah Shirdon, Prime Minister of Somalia; Shamsul Bari, Independent Expert appointed by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Somalia; Nicholas Kay, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM); Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); Zahra Nur, National Coordinator (Somalia), Forum for African Women Educationalists; Fartuun Adan, Executive Director, Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre; and Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, Director General of Horn Cable TV. 3. The present summary was prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) pursuant to Human Rights Council decision 23/114. II. Statement by the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights and contributions by panellists 4. In her opening statement, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that despite positive developments on the political front since the stand-alone interactive dialogue on Somalia that had taken place in September 2010, the human rights situation in the country continued to be very challenging. The conducting of hostilities, particularly in parts of south and central Somalia, continued to impact negatively on civilians, who were often caught in the crossfire between the parties to the conflict. The Deputy High Commissioner pointed out that human rights defenders and journalists continued to be the targets of assassination. The situation in terms of economic, social and cultural rights remained a matter for concern; access to education and to services such as health was very limited. The high rates of sexual and gender-based violence also remained a concern. The Deputy High Commissioner added that continued attacks by Al-Shabaab were a reminder that much work remained to be done in the fight to ensure security for all people living in Somalia. She noted that addressing impunity and violence and ensuring protection of human rights was key to building peace. Regarding the road map, she urged that there should be clear benchmarks, with timelines for implementation, and identification of implementing agencies for each benchmark. For the road map to be a success, the Government should endeavour to consult on its implementation with all the stakeholders, nationwide, through an inclusive and participatory process, and should regularly report back on efforts to implement it. The Deputy High Commissioner stated that OHCHR would work with UNSOM to support the Government of Somalia in upholding its commitments made under the universal periodic review and as a signatory to a number of international human rights instruments. 3