A/HRC/RES/20/21 Mission, including regional countries, to support efforts to achieve security, reconciliation and stability, and the efforts made by the international community and regional stakeholders to help Somalia to re-establish stability, peace and security on its national territory, as well as the rule of law, Commending the African Union Mission in Somalia for its efforts, as requested by the Peace and Security Council, to minimize civilian casualties during its operations, including the endorsement in 2011 by the Mission of an indirect fire policy, encouraging the Mission to intensify its efforts in this regard, and encouraging also the African Union to support the Mission in efforts to increase awareness and training among its troops on human rights and international humanitarian law, Welcoming the work of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Acknowledging the constructive engagement of the Transitional Federal Government and Somali regional authorities in the universal periodic review, and encouraging continued efforts in this regard, Welcoming the signing, on 11 May 2012, of the Memorandum of Understanding on technical assistance to the Transitional Federal Government in the field of human rights by the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia, Acknowledging the need for long-term international support in the field of human rights in Somalia, Deeply concerned about the continuing violations and abuses perpetrated against children, including sexual violence, in particular in areas of conflict or transition in Somalia by parties to the conflict, including their unlawful use and recruitment of child soldiers, and concerned about the continued death, injury and displacement of children as a result of armed conflict, Noting that the political process in Somalia is at a critical phase, with only two months before the end of the transitional period, which will end on 20 August 2012, and looking towards the selection of a successor Government, Emphasizing the determination of the international community, as expressed by the Security Council in its resolution 2036 (2012) of 22 February 2012, to take measures against both internal and external actors engaged in actions aimed at undermining the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, including the Roadmap, 1. Expresses its continued serious concern at the human rights and humanitarian situation in Somalia; 2. Strongly condemns the grave and systematic human rights abuses perpetrated against the civilian population, including women, children, journalists and human rights defenders, in particular by Al-Shabaab and its affiliates, and calls for their immediate cessation; 3. Expresses deep concern at the continuing attacks against journalists in Somalia, and urges all parties to refrain from intentional violence against and harassment of journalists and to respect freedom of expression; 4. Calls on Somalia to fulfil its obligations under international human rights law; 5. Emphasizes that protecting, respecting and fulfilling human rights will be essential for the legitimacy of any future Somali political leadership; 2

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