A/HRC/10/85 page 18 previous mission, whom do I address my concerns to and share my recommendations with in the absence of an effective and stable central Government? To whom do I channel “the flow of technical assistance to Somalia” as the Council mandates me to, when the transitional Government exercises only limited authority? And with whom would I discuss the requirements of “technical assistance” when I am unable to talk to the relevant authorities in the country because of my lack of access to many of them, except in a fleeting manner? I believe that an independent expert’s role in Somalia will only be effective when there is an effective Government on the ground. My hope is that such a day is not far off, in view of the hopeful signs on the horizon. 59. I see a catalytic role for the independent expert to play by bringing the stark realities of Somalia into sharper focus for the international community to take notice of and consider necessary measures. If I can contribute even a little to change the status of “most forgotten humanitarian crisis” which Somalia has acquired, I would feel that I have been of some use. 60. In this regard, I would like to recognize the sterling role played by the NGO community, both national and international, in bringing the inhuman suffering and unconscionable deprivations that the Somali people are going through to the attention of the international community. The international NGOs have been bringing out detailed and timely reports on the situation in Somalia for quite some time. Most of these are highly objective and extremely constructive. The recent reports of Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International contain some useful recommendations for the improvement of the situation in Somalia. In its latest report “So much to fear - war crimes and devastation of Somalia”, Human Rights Watch reiterated among other recommendations, the need for the Security Council to “establish an independent and impartial commission of inquiry to investigate and map serious crimes and recommend further measures to recommend accountability”. This NGO is convinced that the relevant data is available and in the public domain, to support the analysis of the human rights situation in Somalia, despite the challenges on the ground in terms of security and access to credible information. I would like to draw the attention of all concerned to this data. 61. On the political front, I am convinced that the peace process initiated by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia offers the best opportunity for the return of peace and respect for human rights in Somalia. The process has come a long way in the last six months and must not be allowed to lose steam. There is an urgent need, therefore, to ensure implementation and follow-up of the various aspects of the Djibouti Agreement. 62. I was happy to participate in the follow-up process of the Djibouti Agreement. In my talks with members of the High Level Committee in Djibouti including to both the sides I sensed their fervent hope that the long dark night of suffering would come to an end sooner than later. However, as I told them, it is they who must play the key role to ensure that the process of justice and reconciliation leads to adoption of effective mechanisms to bring those responsible for the most serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law to justice, and to guarantee the rule of law. In this regard, they will, of course, need the full support of the international community.

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