A/HRC/12/44
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has been informed that additional staff will be deployed soon to strengthen its capacity. It
is important to have a clear road map for the durable presence of United Nations human
rights staff in Somali itself.
103. The implementation of Council resolution 10/32 will enable UNPOS and OHCHR to
step up cooperation with and support for national and regional Somali institutions through
a comprehensive agreement. A framework for UNPOS/OHCHR technical cooperation and
assistance in the field of human rights has been developed in collaboration with the Somali
authorities, covering six areas of support: (a) strengthening legislation/Government
capacity in human rights; (b) support for the establishment of a police force more
compliant with human rights standards; (c) corrections and judiciary; (d) support for
addressing impunity, justice and reconciliation; (e) monitoring and reporting; and
(f) education and public awareness-raising on human rights. The independent expert hopes
that the framework will be endorsed in the near future and that it is implemented
immediately.
104. While commending the above-mentioned efforts, the independent expert believes that
the United Nations as a whole should do more in Somalia. He recommends that UNDP,
UNHCR, UNICEF and UNESCO also consider strengthening their presence in Somalia,
including in Puntland and Somaliland. They could share the tasks of training law
enforcements officials, corrections/judicial officials, civil society organizations, education
officials, teachers, students, doctors, nurses and so on, from all regions of Somalia. Their
strengthened presence in the field will make a difference and send a strong message to the
authorities in Somalia about the commitment and dedication of the United Nations to the
cause of human rights in that country.
105. UNPOS and OHCHR should also consider organizing, in collaboration with other
United Nations agencies as necessary and with the participation of lawmakers, members of
the judiciary, including those from Somaliland and Puntland, and experts in both Islamic
and international law a workshop to address the harmonization of Somali laws, in
particular the harmonization of Islamic sharia law and customary and international
human rights and humanitarian law. Such a workshop could also benefit from the
participation of relevant special procedures mandate holders.
106. From the briefings with the United Nations Coordinator and the representatives of
United Nations agencies serving Somalia from their bases in Nairobi, the independent
expert is aware of the immediate, medium- and long-term plans that the Organization as a
whole has for humanitarian assistance, recovery and development in Somalia. Steps should
continue to be taken by the agencies to serve Somalia from inside the country, for example
from Puntland and Somaliland, in the shortest possible time.
D. For the African Union
107. While recognizing the importance of the role played by AMISOM peacekeepers in the
protection of certain strategic areas in Somalia (such as villa Somalia, the airport and sea
ports), there is a need for the African Union to consider providing AMISOM with a
protection mandate, including the use of force if necessary, as provided for in Chapter VII
of the Charter of the United Nations to protect civilians, including women, children, Somali
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