76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council meeting on Somalia
Statement by Ambassador Sven Jürgenson
November 17, New York
I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews. I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of Somalia to today’s discussion. As this is the last Council’s quarterly meeting on Somalia that Estonia will participate in as a member of the Security Council, I would like to share the following messages that will not only reflect the last quarter, but also entail our observations during the last almost two years of our membership.
First, in order to achieve political stability and progress in state-building goals, there is no substitute to holding timely, inclusive and credible elections. That is why it is regrettable that there have been significant delays to the election timelines. However, Estonia welcomes the recent conclusion of the Upper House elections, and hopes that the elections of the Lower House will conclude by the end of the year. We also urge the Somali leaders to ensure the minimum of 30 per cent quota for women members of Parliament through a clear mechanism. Since elections lay the foundation for the next chapter for Somalia, the importance of women’s participation in this next chapter cannot be over-emphasized.
Second, unfortunately throughout Estonia’s membership in the Council, Al-Shabaab’s ability to conduct attacks across Somalia remained unchanged. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks by Al-Shabaab, and express our condolences to the victims and their families.
Estonia has repeatedly emphasized that the security situation can only improve if all stakeholders work closely together towards this important goal. Therefore, in the planning for the post-2021 mission, we call on all key players to work together for a common vision. Additionally, we call on the Federal Government of Somalia to re-double its efforts for the timely implementation of the Transition Plan. As a member of the European Union, allow me to reiterate that the European Union remains ready to assist Somalia in the next chapter, however the European Union hopes that its concerns will also be taken into account.
Third, unfortunately we saw the dire humanitarian situation deteriorating during our membership. That is also due to Somalia’s severe vulnerability to climate change. The Security Council must stand firmly behind helping Somalia in addressing the climate threat, including through UNSOM. Estonia encourages strategic and comprehensive efforts that will proactively address the humanitarian challenges.
Mr. President,
Somalia has come a long way. However, there is still a long way to go until Somalis can live in a peaceful, stable and prosperous society. The foundations for that will be laid, inter alia, through rule of law, democratization, respect for human rights, and effective mechanisms of accountability to anyone violating them. Estonia hopes to have contributed to these foundations by upholding the aforementioned elements throughout our Council membership. Finally, I would like to thank the personnel of UNSOM, UNSOS and AMISOM for their commitment and sacrifice. To conclude, allow me to reiterate Estonia’s full support to Somalia and its people for making a better future a reality. Thank you.
