A/HRC/24/40 the right of peoples to self-determination with respect to the activities of private military and security companies in Somalia (see A/HRC/24/45/Add.2). He commends the efforts of the Government to set rules governing the registration and regulation of such companies in Somalia and urges the Government to remain vigilant on the dangers of outsourcing security functions to private actors. 2. For Puntland 104. The recent executions of 13 people, including 1 woman, and the sentencing to death of another 6 persons by a military court in Puntland is contrary to the international commitment made by Somalia and the growing international acknowledgement of the inhumane nature of the death penalty. The Independent Expert urges the authorities to reconsider their position on the application of the death penalty and reminds them that, under international law, the death penalty should be applied only after a most rigorous judicial process. 105. The Independent Expert urges the Puntland authorities to treat all alleged perpetrators of terrorist acts in accordance with international human rights standards relating to due process and fair trial. 3. For Somaliland 106. The Independent Expert is concerned about the arrests for treason of politicians, businessmen and community leaders who recently visited Mogadishu and would urge the authorities to refrain from imposing such limitations on citizens’ rights to free movement, to freedom of expression and to political participation. He also urges the authorities to abide by national and international law and avoid frequent crackdowns on journalists and media, restrictions on the freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and the forced repatriation of Somalis from the southcentral region, African refugees and asylum seekers. 107. The Independent Expert urges the authorities of Somaliland and the selfproclaimed Khatumo state to refrain from any escalation of violence and to settle their disputes through peaceful means, including dialogue, mediation and arbitration. He urges the Somaliland security forces and the Khatumo militia to comply with international standards prescribed in the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. 4. For the African Union Mission in Somalia 108. In addition to many positive measures it has already taken, AMISOM should initiate further practical measures to prevent sexual violence and exploitation of civilians, which reportedly continue to occur. It should review and adapt to the Somalia context the Security-General’s bulletin on the special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13), which codifies good practices and lessons learned by United Nations peacekeeping operations. 5. For the United Nations 109. As no concrete progress appears to have taken place since the adoption of Security Council resolution 2036 (2012), in which the Council called for the establishment of a civilian casualty tracking, analysis and response cell, the Security Council may wish to reaffirm its call. Since AMISOM and Somali forces conduct joint operations, such a cell (or a parallel system) should also cover or be established for casualties attributable to Somali forces. 20