A/HRC/32/12 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-fourth session from 18 to 29 January 2016. The review of Somalia was held at the 9th meeting, on 22 January 2016. The delegation of Somalia was headed by the Minister of Women, Human Rights and Social Development, Zahra Ali Samantar. At its 14th meeting, held on 26 January 2016, the Working Group adopted the report on Somalia. 2. On 12 January 2016, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Somalia: Nigeria, Slovenia and Viet Nam. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Somalia: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/SOM/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/SOM/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/SOM/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Liechtenstein, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America was transmitted to Somalia through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The Minister of Women, Human Rights and Social Development stated that the delegation of Somalia was devastated by the shocking news of a brutal attack that had taken place the night before at a seaside restaurant in Mogadishu. Terrorists had killed at least 20 people, among them 4 children. She expressed the deepest condolences of the delegation for those killed and wished the injured a swift recovery. 6. The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government of Somalia to universal human rights. Somalia had made persistent efforts to cultivate a pluralistic society and welcomed engagement with all stakeholders. For the first time in 22 years, Somalia was charting new territory. A prosperous, just and secure Somalia was on the horizon for all to see. Nevertheless, this fragile change required the utmost care and the sustained focus of international partners. The Minister cautioned against Somalia being taken off the international priority list as new hotspots emerged around globe. 7. The Minister indicated that Somalia had received and supported 155 recommendations, and committed itself to doing everything within its ability to implement them. The situation of Somalia had not been completely stable for 25 years. The challenges facing Somalia were, among others, lack of security, extreme poverty, and environmentally induced disasters such as droughts and flooding. 3