75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Joint Press Statement on Afghanistan by penholders Estonia and Norway
Delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative of Norway, Odd-Inge Kvalheim
August 12, 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.
Estonia warmly welcomes the recent political developments in Somalia, including the 27 May agreement and the continued dialogue between the Federal Government and federal member states leaders on the implementation of the electoral process. We sincerely hope that this positive momentum continues, enabling credible, transparent, and inclusive elections to be held without further delays. For this to happen, the importance of resolving any contentious issues in a spirit of consensus and cooperation, cannot be over-emphasized. Equally important are robust electoral security arrangements, which would ensure the smooth proceeding of the elections. Looking ahead to the next election cycle, in order to ensure that Somalia is making progress in its democratization process, Estonia strongly supports the development of an agreed pathway to one-person-one-vote elections in 2025.
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 urgently identify a mechanism, which would ensure the implementation of 30% women quota in the upcoming elections, in order to safeguard their political representation. We also see the need to do more to advance women’s rights in society more broadly. It is crucial that women’s rights are codified in the revised constitution and other legal frameworks.
Estonia is alarmed by the increase of sexual and gender-based violence and the number of Somali women and children who remain trapped in a cycle of violence. This requires urgent attention by Somali authorities. Estonia calls the Federal Government to accelerate the adoption of the new National Action Plan for ending sexual violence in conflict.
Mr. President,
The security situation remains a major challenge. We condemn in the strongest terms the continuing attacks by Al-Shabaab, and express our condolences to the victims and their families. The security sector can only improve if all stakeholders work together towards this important goal. Therefore, in the planning for the post-2021 mission, it is of paramount importance that the key players, including the Federal Government of Somalia, United Nations, African Union and European Union, develop a common approach, which would be realistic in its timelines, tasks and goals. We are also looking forward to receiving the joint proposal, mandated by resolution 2568, which will be the next step in the over-arching goal of a successful security transition. Additionally, we call on the Federal Government of Somalia to re-double its efforts for the timely implementation of the Transition Plan.
Finally, Estonia is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation. Routine spikes in humanitarian needs call for a more strategic approach. Climatic shocks continue to severely affect Somalia, and require comprehensive solutions that offer prevention and threat mitigation. Estonia encourages further efforts that will proactively address these challenges. It will be a priority for Estonia to address this also in the upcoming UNSOM mandate renewal.
To conclude, allow me to reiterate Estonia’s full support for Somalia and its people.