A/HRC/21/36 6. The Somali authorities, supported by the Human Rights Council, have repeatedly solicited the assistance of the international community in their efforts to promote and protect human rights. In May 2012, as a follow-up to the universal periodic review, a memorandum of understanding on technical assistance in the field of human rights was signed by the Transitional Federal Government and the United Nations, represented by OHCHR and UNPOS. The areas for technical cooperation outlined in the memorandum include the signature, ratification and implementation of international human rights treaties; protecting and promoting the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, internally displaced persons and journalists; strengthening the rule of law and the administration of justice; building institutional capacity to protect and promote human rights; raising awareness about human rights through the media; advancing economic and social rights; and facilitating effective cooperation with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. II. Overview of the situation of human rights 7. The present report does not seek to present an exhaustive overview of the situation of human rights or of the human rights violations committed in the country. It highlights key areas of concern, differentiating between different regions, as appropriate. 8. The present report draws on information from the UNPOS Human Rights Unit; the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia; 4 the former Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons; 5 the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences; 6 and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.7 9. The situation of human rights in Somalia remains troubling, as characterized by the extreme brutality used against civilians during the protracted period of conflict and insecurity following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in 1991. While no accurate casualty figures are currently available, it is estimated that over the years of armed conflict, thousands of civilians were killed or injured and hundreds of thousands forced to flee. Conflict also destroyed the institutions of the State and its ability to provide basic services and to ensure the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. 10. OHCHR operates in Somalia through the Human Rights Unit of UNPOS, which has a broad mandate to monitor the situation of human rights and to build national capacity for their protection and promotion. Currently, the Human Rights Unit is small in size and thinly spread between offices located in Mogadishu, Garowe, Hargeisa and Nairobi. Severe challenges, including access to southern and central Somalia, the security of United Nations staff, and victim and witness protection considerations, have hampered human rights monitoring, investigation and technical assistance activities in Somalia. 11. Despite the challenging situation, the UNPOS Human Rights Unit has monitored certain cases and situations of human rights violations, activated a database for cases and developed a network of national and international partners striving to advance human rights protection. Through its technical assistance activities, the Unit has strengthened the capacity of national and regional authorities in Somalia, as well as civil society organizations. OHCHR and the Human Rights Unit have also supported the peace process, 4 5 6 7 4 See A/HRC/10/85, A/HRC/12/44, A/HRC/13/65, A/HRC/15/48, A/HRC/18/48 and A/HRC/21/61. See A/HRC/13/21. A/HRC/20/16/Add.3. A/HRC/18/38.