A/HRC/42/62 each year, an average of 2 in each district. However, this number is inadequate because of the huge but sparsely populated territory. The internationally accepted standard of a maximum of 500 m to the nearest water point cannot be achieved. It is estimated that every family requires a minimum of 5 km2 for their livestock. This would require numerous water points, such as boreholes and dams, to be built across the country within a reasonable distance of several families at a time. The establishment of peace committees, which have been tested in Galkayo, could be replicated in other places. The Independent Expert learned about the successful establishment of women’s committees to manage access to water points, and their maintenance, in camps for internally displaced persons. 69. Due to insecurity, the Federal Government cannot rehabilitate wells, nor start new projects. The international community is urged to assist Somalia to build flood control systems and dams, drill boreholes and engage in other forms of water preservation, so that it can supply water to at least 65 per cent of the population, according to its planned target. 12. Health delivery 70. Health service delivery in Somalia was for a long time provided by humanitarian agencies and private hospitals. Recently, the Federal Government has repossessed public hospitals, which were operated by the private sector since the collapse of the Siad Barre regime. The Federal Government has upgraded two hospitals and received $1.3 million in donor funding. The Federal Government will ensure that Federal Member States receive their fair share of resources, and that health services reach as many people as possible in spite of the security threats, particularly in Lower Shabelle. According to the Federal Government’s five-year plan, it is committed to provide affordable primary health care, prevent diseases, provide nutrition education and health care at schools, and reduce maternal and child mortality. The 732 deaths per 100,000 live births is one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. 71. The Independent Expert was informed that the high maternal mortality rate was the result of the absence of a regulatory framework for safe delivery, and the limited capacity of medical services. Approximately, 60 per cent of deliveries occur at home and the majority of women are poor and live in the rural areas. The existing facilities and staff are neither adequate nor properly qualified. Other reasons include a refusal to grant consent to perform caesarean operations and to adopt family planning methods. 72. Other measures to address women rights in the health sector include providing girls with free access to social services and eradicating female genital mutilation through the adoption of an “anti-medicalization policy” to counter practitioners who carry out sterilizations and blood transfusions, use anaesthetics and supply antibiotics. The Federal Government believes that should the security situation improve, it will have the capacity and infrastructure to deliver affordable health services provided that resources are made available. Currently, it relies heavily on donor support. The Federal Government refuted allegations of discrimination against women in the health sector and stated that it was drafting a national health professional bill. 13. Civil society 73. Civil society in Somalia continues to play a key role in the dissemination and awareness-raising of human rights. It contributed to the universal periodic review and follow-up on recommendations. Representatives of civil society informed the Independent Expert about the challenges facing internally displaced persons, women, young persons, persons with disabilities and members of minority clans. Such challenges include physical abuse and sexual offences, and a lack of access to basic services by marginalized groups. Young persons constitute the largest segment of the population; they are unemployed and denied their basic rights. They are concerned that they might be denied the right to participate in the 2020/2021 elections, because of the proposed electoral model. 74. Civil society organizations reported that persons with disabilities were neither represented nor involved in the development plans or political processes. The absence of a census means that their total number is not known. Many of them come from poor backgrounds and do not have access to education and other services. 13

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