76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council meeting on Somalia
Delivered by Ambassador Sven Jürgenson
September 28, New York
Thank You, Madam President.
I join others in thanking the Deputy Secretary-General for her briefing, and for undertaking this visit to draw attention to the importance of women’s political participation. I would also like to sincerely thank Dr. Dini for sharing her insights.
Estonia is deeply concerned about the ongoing disagreement between President Farmajo and Prime Minister Roble. We urge all parties to (1) avoid actions that could lead to violence, (2) resolve their differences urgently through dialogue, and (3) prioritise peaceful conduct of transparent, credible and inclusive elections within the agreed timelines. Successfully completing elections, is the only way through which broader state-building efforts could continue, and therefore it must remain a priority.
Since the elections lay the foundation for the next chapter for Somalia, the importance of women’s participation cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore, we call on Somali leaders to live up to their commitment to ensure the implementation of 30% women quota in the elections, in order to safeguard women’s political representation.
We also see the need to do more to advance women’s rights in society more broadly. Estonia is alarmed by the increase of sexual and gender-based violence. Too many Somali women and children remain trapped in a cycle of violence, and this requires urgent attention by Somali authorities. Estonia calls the Federal Government to accelerate the adoption of new National Action Plan for ending sexual violence in conflict. It is also crucial that women’s rights are codified in the revised constitution and other legal frameworks. Greater resilience, peace, and stability in Somalia can only be achieved through full inclusion of women in all sectors of society.
In order to provide a better life not only to Somali women, but to all Somali people, defeating Al-Shabaab must remain a priority for the government. In this regard, we call on the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of Somali Transition Plan to make liberated Somalia a reality.
Allow me to conclude by reiterating Estonia’s full support for Somalia and its people.
Thank you.
