Mitigating Dire Situation of 3.2 Million Somalis Best Way to Weaken Pull of Extremism, Secretary-General Says in Message to Ministerial Meeting

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Susan Malcorra, Chef de Cabinet, to the Security Council ministerial meeting on Somalia, in New York today:

I commend the United Kingdom for convening this ministerial meeting and for its longstanding leadership on Somalia.  The stakes are high.  The international community must stand strong with Somalia.

Next year can be momentous.  A peaceful, constitutional transition of power would mark an extraordinary milestone on Somalia’s path to democracy.  The new National Consultative Forum is responsible for agreeing on the modalities for the process.  I urge the federal Government to actively engage as many people as possible, including women, youth and minorities.

At the same time, Somalia is consolidating its federal system.  I urge Somali leaders to complete the process by the end of 2016.  I also call on them to achieve genuine, inclusive reconciliation in all regions.

Progress on the provisional Constitution in the next few months is essential.  I welcome the commitment of Somali leaders to re-energize the delayed review.

We are deeply grateful to African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for its sacrifices.  The UN will not waver in our commitment to this mission.  I call on all partners to ensure that our military and political strategies are fully aligned.  We must also redouble our efforts to strengthen Somali security forces so they can secure the country for the long term.

Military operations alone will not defeat Al Shabaab.  Today, I renew my call for the Security Council to support a comprehensive approach that addresses the Al Shabaab threat by offering Somalis a better alternative.  That requires greater investments in community security, human rights, justice and economic opportunity — especially for youth.  We must denounce the propaganda of Al Shabaab, address the grievances that drive recruitment and open the way for all to renounce violence.

The best way to weaken the pull of extremism is to strengthen people’s chances for a better future.  That is why I also urge the international community to increase its contributions to the New Deal Somalia Compact before its review in Istanbul in February.  An investment in the people of Somalia will also benefit security in the region and the world.

We must urgently provide opportunities for Somalia’s strong women and girls who suffer from poverty, violence and abuse without fair participation in decision-making.  I urge the federal Government to work to exceed the goal of 30 per cent representation of women in Parliament.

Guaranteeing basic human rights is essential to offering a credible alternative to extremism. I have repeatedly stressed that all operations against violent extremism — anywhere and under any conditions — must fully respect human rights.  I commend the Government for actively participating in the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review.  I also stress the importance of observing international humanitarian and human rights law in the conduct of military operations.

In line with today’s resolution, we can build on the tangible success of the UN-AU partnership and the achievements of the UN Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA).  We can do even more with the new United Nations Support Office in Somalia.  I am committed to strengthening our collaboration.

Right now, some 3.2 million people in Somalia need assistance to survive.  Over the past six months, more people have lost their ability to feed their families.  More children suffer from acute malnutrition.  Most of these are internally displaced, living under the constant threat of forced evictions and abuse.

This dire situation is growing worse.  We are expecting dangerous flooding and drought.  Our Humanitarian Response Plan is only 36 per cent funded, so we cannot fully carry out our life-saving programmes.  Donors can make the difference between life and death, and that can help move Somalia towards greater stability and peace.

The United Nations will continue to do everything possible to achieve political progress, boost security, promote human rights and relieve suffering.  I urge the Council’s active support.  This is our path to defeat the threat of terrorism and realize the vision of Somalis for a united federal country that serves all of its people and contributes to our common future.