As Civilian Casualties Reach Record Levels in Gaza, Third Committee Underscores Need to End War, Lift Blockade of Essential Needs, Hold Parties Accountable
Committee also Highlights Human Rights Violations in Four Countries, Including Iran, Syria
The raging war in Gaza is the latest symptom of the international community’s epic failure to address decades of Israel’s illegality and impunity, the expert tasked with monitoring human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today, as delegates also engaged in interactive dialogues on the human rights situations in Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia.
Francesca P. Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, said much of what Palestinian paramilitary forces have done against civilians in Israel are war crimes and must be accounted for. In response, Israeli occupation forces have yet again indiscriminately bombarded the Gaza Strip, hitting entire residential areas, schools, hospitals, mosques and churches and killing around 5,000 people. Israel has further tightened the unlawful siege of the Gaza Strip, depriving the population of indispensable items of survival and using starvation as a method of war. Palestinian children — constituting half the population under occupation — are the prime victims of this system, she said, reporting that, from 2008 until 6 October 2023, 1,434 Palestinian children were killed, primarily at the hands of Israeli occupation forces.
Elaborating on the situation further, Navi Pillay, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, unequivocally condemned the killing of over 1,000 Israeli citizens by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups as well as the taking of over 200 Israeli hostages. She also unequivocally condemned Israeli military attacks, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians. Calling for an immediate ceasefire, she underscored that the Israeli Government must end its 56-year occupation and recognize the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
When the floor opened for questions and comments, the representative of Israel said the Commission has been dedicated to justifying and downplaying Palestinian terrorism, while delegitimizing and demonizing Israel’s efforts to defend itself. However, Israel goes to extraordinary lengths to avoid civilian casualties, despite the Palestinian terrorists’ use of civilians as human shields.
The observer for the State of Palestine highlighted the massive scale of Israel’s brutal war against Gaza, which has been besieged for 17 years. Warning against Israel’s campaign to normalize its crimes, she called on the international community to recognize the equal value of Palestinian life and end the war. “We are not human animals, but human beings who have suffered loss […] for decades,” she said.
Some delegates expressed their concerns with the broad reach of the Commission’s work and its open-ended mandate, while others supported its well-founded investigations.
In the first camp, the representative of the United Kingdom said his delegation regretted the creation of the Commission in May 2021. Echoing that view, the representative of Albania called its report one-sided, as it does not reflect the destructive role of Hamas and other terrorist groups. Along similar lines, Australia’s delegate said the Commission’s excessive scope does not support the peace process.
Among those delegates supporting the Commission’s work and its latest report, Malaysia’s delegate condemned efforts to discredit its findings, noting that Israel’s atrocities have been well documented. In the same vein, the representative of Bangladesh condemned all illegal acts and the culture of impunity enjoyed by Israel. Adding to that, Cuba’s delegate attributed Israel’s impunity to the support it receives from Washington.
Earlier in the day, Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, said the bleak situation in that country is characterized by ongoing systematic violations of human rights and continued impunity. The scale and gravity of violations committed by Iranian authorities point to the possible commission of crimes against humanity. As of 31 July, the use of unlawful lethal force by security forces led to the deaths of 537 persons, including 68 children, he said, recalling the 30 September 2022 “black Friday”, when security forces killed at least 95 people in the city of Zahedan, including nine children. He also detailed the systemic targeting and discrimination against women and girls through laws and practices related to enforced veiling.
Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, said the consequences of recent earthquakes for already vulnerable communities have been exacerbated by decades of war, an economic crisis, underfunding of humanitarian assistance, and the deterioration of the human rights situation since the Taliban takeover. The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan has worsened drastically, with the Taliban’s actions possibly amounting to “gender persecution” and “gender apartheid”. Voicing concern over the situation of Afghan refugees, he called on Pakistan to abandon plans that may result in the mass deportation of 1.4 million Afghans and, instead, uphold the principle of non-refoulement.
Also briefing the Committee today, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, said the country is experiencing the largest escalation of hostilities in four years. Painting a grim picture of the desperate humanitarian situation, he said Syria remains the world’s largest refugee crisis, with more than 7 million Syrians having fled the country and more than 6 million internally displaced. The situation is further compounded by the imposition of unilateral coercive measures on that country, he said, adding: “It is ordinary people who bear the brunt of their impact and related overcompliance”. Highlighting some progress, he welcomed the establishment of the institution on missing persons to holistically address this ongoing national trauma and called on all parties to proactively engage with the new institution.
In the ensuing interactive dialogue, Switzerland’s delegate voiced concern over the intensification of hostilities in Syria and stressed the need to prevent further escalation.
Syria continues to present one of the most appalling human rights and humanitarian situations in the world, said the representative of the United Kingdom, who condemned all violations that have taken place, including the regime’s brutal bombardment of north-west Syria in October, which displaced 30,000 people and caused 53 deaths, including 11 women and 15 children.
Adding to that, the representative of the United States highlighted the unjust detention or disappearance of more 155,000 Syrians, the vast majority held by the Assad regime, which continues to use torture on a widespread and systemic basis through its detention system.
However, numerous delegates rejected instruments, reports or resolutions against a specific country, without the consent of the concerned country, citing politicization and selectivity. Among them was Venezuela’s delegate, associating with the Non-Aligned Movement, who called for the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures, which undermine the human rights of the Syrian people.
Echoing that concern, Iran’s delegate called for non-interference in internal affairs of States and for the immediate lifting of all unilateral coercive measures against Syria.
In the same vein, China’s delegate urged the United States and other Western countries to stop the illegal unilateral coercive measures against Syria, adding that Washington plunders over 80 per cent of the country’s oil production.
Rounding out the discussion, Syria’s delegate said the Commission of Inquiry and its reports represent “a systematic misinformation campaign against his country” and questioned its sources and research methods.
Interactive Dialogues – Human Rights Situation in Iran
In the morning the Committee further elaborated on the theme “promotion and protection of human rights”, with interactive dialogues featuring presentations by: Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic; and Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan.
Presenting his report to the Committee on the human rights situation in Iran (document A/78/511), Mr. REHMAN said the situation is bleak, characterized by ongoing systematic violations of human rights and continued impunity. It is “beyond belief” that 13 months after nationwide protests triggered by the death in police custody of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini, the Government has failed to conduct any independent investigation and have denied any wrongdoing. Also disturbing, there has been an absence of investigations into the deaths, violence by security forces and mass arrests during the following protests, he added. As of 31 July, the use of unlawful lethal force by security forces has led to the deaths of at least 537 persons, including 68 children, he said, recalling the 30 September 2022 “black Friday”, wherein security forces killed at least 95 people in the city of Zahedan, including nine children, Kurdish and Baluchis ethnic and religious minorities.
The scale of crimes in the wake of Ms. Amini’s death indicate the crimes against humanity of murder, enforced disappearances, torture, rape and persecution, he said, voicing support for the establishment of an independent international investigative mechanism. He urged the international community to call for accountability for long-standing events that have been met with persistent impunity, such as those of 1981, 1988 and November 2019. The authorities continue to exert pressure on an already severely restricted civic space, including by arrests of civil rights activists, teachers, union activists, lawyers and minority rights activists. Executions are increasing, including for drug-related charges, he said, noting that, so far in October 2023, 305 of 572 reported executions have been drug-related, while seven have been executed for their participation in protests following unfair trials and forced confessions. Worse, enforced disappearances, particularly among Baluch, Kurdish, Ahwazi Arab, Azerbajani minorities, Christian converts and Baháʼís religious minorities have also increased.
Detailing the systemic targeting, harassment and discrimination against women and girls through laws and practices related to enforced veiling, he highlighted with concern the “Bill to Support the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab”. In an echo of last year, Mr. Rehman said that today news was received that the 16-year-old Armita Geravand, who was reportedly assaulted by the morality police on a Tehran metro, is now brain dead. Further, as of July 2023, more than 13,000 students, mostly girls, have been affected by suspected poisoning in over 100 schools without any effective Government response. The right to democratic participation in public life is limited through “politically engineered ‘Islamic criteria’ or the application of State ideology,” which exacerbates existing constitutional and legislative limitations. Voicing concern that policies violate the freedoms of peaceful assembly, particularly to form independent political groups, he urged the Government to ensure those rights for all without discrimination, including the right to vote and be elected in genuine periodic elections.
In the ensuing interactive dialogue, the delegate of Iran categorically rejected the Special Rapporteur’s report. He said the Rapporteur failed to discharge his duty in accordance with Human Rights Council resolutions, which highlight adherence to the principle of cooperation, dialogue and non-politicization, as well as impartiality and objectivity, in addressing human rights issues. He stressed that, despite multiple clarifications, the Special Rapporteur continues to present false narratives that do not correspond to reality. For those looking for truth, he said that Iran is a multi-ethnic, multilingual and multicultural country. Its Constitution regards justice as one of the most fundamental rights of the individual. Further, the legal system adheres to the principle of equality before the law and the prohibition of discrimination. Regarding the death penalty and law of the hijab, he emphasized that it is the prerogative and the sovereign right of each Member State to develop its own legal system. The death penalty, he said, is reserved only for the most serious crimes. It is applied in full compliance with the standards of fair trial, with full transparency, from the investigation stage to the final verdict. With respect to Iran’s response to the 2022 riots, he said that law enforcement used minimal legal power. Further, in the wake of the recent amnesty granted by the Supreme Leader of Iran, nearly all of the accused and those convicted were granted pardons, except those involved in acts of terrorism or murder. He said the Special Rapporteur, in his misuse of his mandate, harms the credibility of the Human Rights Council. Multilateralism should not be the victim of the narrow political interests of specific countries, who stand brazenly to the dark side of history, he said.
The delegate for Pakistan said the Human Rights Council has become a highly politicized body, which selectively targets countries for political, economic and strategic reasons in the garb of promotion and protection of human rights. The representative for Cuba called the report a politically motivated exercise, noting that such exercises are used as an instrument of pressure against the Global South and respond to hegemonic interests. On a similar note, the delegate for the Russian Federation called the Mechanism a politicized tool for unjustified attacks against Iran and for spreading disinformation, adding that the aggressive policy of the United States is designed to undermine the economy of Iran and the well-being of its people.
The delegate for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea expressed concern at the serious humanitarian situation in Iran, which has been caused by sanctions. The unjustified measures are a clear violation of the human rights of the Iranian people and must be ended immediately.
With respect to Iran’s use of the death penalty, the representative of Australia called on the country to establish a moratorium, asking how Member States can work collectively to hold Iran to account for its ongoing, egregious human rights violations. Taking a similar line, the delegate of the United Kingdom expressed deep concern at the pace of executions in Iran and asked what specific action Iran should take to cease its use of the death penalty against minors and perpetrators of crimes which do not reach the most serious threshold. The representative for the European Union, in its capacity as observer, asked what more can be done to prompt the Government of Iran to commute death sentences, particularly for child offenders, persons sentenced to death for drug-related offenses and persons sentenced to death for their involvement in protests.
Regarding the rights of women and girls, the delegate for Switzerland asked how the law on chastity and the hijab will be applied by authorities and what its consequence will be. On a similar line, the representative for Iceland noted troubling reports on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital facial recognition technology to surveil, arrest and punish women and girls, and urged Iran to repeal and abolish all discriminatory laws, regulations and procedures against them. Further, the delegate for the Netherlands expressed concern over increased oppression especially targeted at women, girls and ethnic or religious minorities.
The delegate for Israel asked how to ensure that human rights instruments are not cynically used by Iran and how to ensure accountability.
Reacting to the comments, the delegate for Iran said it was ironic that Israel should advise action based on human rights mechanisms. She noted that Iran is a safe and secure country which does occupy the land of Palestinians. Further, Iran does not highlight concerns over the situation of women and girls in other countries by trying to impose economic sanctions.
In his response, Mr. REHMAN regretted that, despite all his efforts, the Government of Iran is failing to engage with his mandate and continues to deny him access to the country.
He rejected allegations that his report is prejudiced and politically motivated and that it is not based on objective considerations. The report is the result of thorough and independent investigation aimed at establishing the facts surrounding human rights violations taking place in Iran, he said.
He recognized the impact of sanctions in his report, particularly on the health sector and economic situation. He also made consistent recommendations to States on imposing sanctions to ensure that humanitarian exemptions are applied broadly. He said sanctions cannot be an excuse to violently kill hundreds of men, women and children, as has occurred since September of last year.
He called for an immediate end to all forms of violence against women and girls and asked the Government of Iran to immediately repeal the compulsory hijab legislation.
On use of the death penalty, he expressed alarm at the pace of executions. He said that all executions in Iran constitute arbitrary deprivation of life and asked Iranian authorities to immediately abolish the death penalty, including the death penalty for juveniles.
Human Rights Situation in Syria
Mr. PINHEIRO said the international community is witnessing the largest escalation of hostilities in Syria in four years. “Yet again there appears to be total disregard for civilians’ lives in what are often tit-for-tat reprisals,” he said, pointing to a retaliation by Syrian forces after an attack on a graduation ceremony at the Homs Military Academy that killed and injured scores. The longstanding lack of respect for fundamental international humanitarian law norms in Syria not only kills and maims victims on all sides — it has undermined and eroded the very essence of the international protection system. The latest report to the Human Rights Council described the desperate humanitarian situation and the country’s increased fragmentation. The Syrian Army and the Russian Federation’s air force launched numerous attacks on earthquake-impacted northwest Syria, killing and injuring civilians. Assassinations, kidnapping and arbitrary detention are on the rise in southern Syria.
Syria remains the world’s largest refugee crisis, with more than 7 million Syrians having fled the country and more than 6 million internally displaced, he said. “Syrians abroad want to return home if they can be safe, and if they can access their homes,” he said. “At the moment many cannot. They also need sustainable livelihoods. The living conditions of the Syrian people continue to deteriorate alarmingly.” The Syrian pound lost more than 80 per cent of its value in just three months, he said, adding that more than 90 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line. There is no evidence over the past decade that sectoral unilateral coercive measures have resulted in positive behavioural changes by the Government or others. “It is ordinary people who bear the brunt of their impact and related overcompliance,” he said, stressing that Member States must assess this impact to mitigate the consequences on the daily lives of people. He welcomed humanitarian exemptions to facilitate flow of aid and called for their extension.
Despite this grim picture, important signs provide hope. The demonstrations in Suweyda show Syrians have not given up on their freedom to peacefully assemble and claim their rights. All parties must respect the Syrian people’s freedoms of opinion, expression and assembly, and recognize their legitimate aspirations and human rights. He welcomed the establishment of the institution on missing persons to holistically address this ongoing national trauma. He appealed to the Government and all parties with information on the missing or disappeared to proactively engage with the new institution to provide clarity on their fate and whereabouts. He said he is also heartened that the voices of Syrian survivors and victims are amplified by proceedings at the International Court of Justice — a significant step in a process that could order the Syrian State to finally cease the systematic practice of torture.
More than 15 million Syrians are reliant on humanitarian assistance, he said. Yet next month there will again be uncertainty over whether cross-border and cross-line humanitarian aid destined for the most vulnerable communities can continue, when the Government’s current consent for two crossings risks expiration on 13 November. “This situation needs to end. The international community must ensure that cross-border humanitarian assistance is provided at the necessary scale and in a sustainable, predictable manner,” he said. He urged the international community to ensure the rights and legitimate demands of the Syrian people, including victims and survivors, are central to their diplomatic efforts. “Turning our backs on them, or just simply maintaining the status quo, perpetuates rather than relieves their misery,” he said. “The international community can and must do much more.”
In the ensuing interactive dialogue, the representative of the United Kingdom, strongly supporting the work of the Commission, condemned all violations and abuses that have taken place, stressing that the Syrian regime and their allies must bear primary responsibility. These include the regime’s brutal bombardment of northwest Syria in October, which comprised 180 documented attacks, displaced over 30,000 people and caused 53 deaths, including 11 women and 15 children. Targeting civilians is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and must cease, she asserted, adding that Syria continues to present one of the most appalling human rights and humanitarian situations in the world, with arbitrary detentions, torture and enforced disappearances.
In view of the intensification of hostilities, Switzerland’s delegate stressed the need to prevent additional escalation. He sounded an alarm, pointing to reports regarding direct attacks on civilian infrastructure, calling on parties to respect international humanitarian law and human rights, avoid escalation and allow steps out of the unprecedented humanitarian crisis through a political solution.
Echoing that concern, the representative of the United States said the Syrian regime continues to subject its people to mistreatment, including arbitrary arrests, torture, confiscation of property and discrimination. He also highlighted the unjust detention or disappearance of more 155,000 Syrians, the vast majority held by the Assad regime, which continues to torture on a widespread and systemic basis through its detention system, including through arbitrary arrests of refugees. He also urged States to respect the principle of non-refoulement.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s delegate, associating with the Non-Aligned Movement, reiterated his Government’s principled position rejecting any instruments, reports or resolutions against a specific country, without the consent of the concerned country, as it is an expression of politicization and selectivity. Instead, he called for the promotion of multilateralism and for the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures, which undermine the human rights of the Syrian people.
Iran’s delegate rejected the imposition of illegal unilateral measures that violate the human rights of Syrians, especially their right to development. She highlighted the need to facilitate the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes in Syria, calling for non-interference in internal affairs of States and for immediate lifting of all unilateral coercive measures.
China’s delegate said the Syrian people are still struggling with poverty and war due to external interference, provoking confrontation and pressure which can only bring them suffering. Calling on the United States and other Western countries to stop the illegal unilateral coercive measures against Syria, he stressed that United States forces still control Syria’s oil, gas and other national resources, occupy the main oil producing areas and plunder over 80 per cent of the country’s oil production.
Israel’s delegate recalled the statement delivered by Syria earlier this week, attributing the responsibility for the bombing of the hospital in Gaza to her country, despite clear evidence that it was a misfired rocket launched from within Gaza by the Palestinian jihad organization. The Assad regime is neither concerned with human rights nor with the truth, as proven by its support of a genocidal organization such as Hamas, she added.
Rounding out the discussion, Syria’s delegate said that the Commission of Inquiry and its reports represent “a systematic misinformation campaign against his country”. Detailing rationale behind their full position not to cooperate with the Commission, he said its report is accusing Syria of something that Martin Griffiths has already accepted — that humanitarian aid started arriving in the north-west of Syria. He questioned the sources of other Commission’s accusations in its report, including the alleged failure that hindered the delivery of aid to north-west Syria. The Commission presents a story; however, he asked, “What is the source of the story?” The Commission is issuing press statements, which it later uses as legitimate sources, he pointed out, opposing politicization and weaponization of human rights.
Mr. PINHEIRO responded that there is no justification for deliberate attacks on civilians, which are perpetrated by all parties to the conflict in Syria. Voicing concern over escalation in attacks, disturbances and violence, he said the hardship of the civilian population is increasing, as the country has been nearly destroyed, and over 90 per cent of the population is below the poverty line. Turning to the economic situation in the country, he expressed concern over the impact of the application of unilateral coercive measures in Syria and overcompliance on the civilian population. “We have to be asking ourselves: Are we part of this mess we are now seeing in Syria?” he asked, urging for the delivery of humanitarian aid. He further stressed that refuges and returnees in the country are facing arrests, extortion and torture. “This is not a political but a humanitarian issue,” he stressed, calling on all parties to step up their efforts.
Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan
Mr. BENNETT, presenting his report (document A/78/338), paid respect to the victims and their families of the Herat earthquakes earlier this month, which killed 1,480 and injured about 2,000 — the vast majority women and children — and directly affected 66,000 people. The earthquakes destroyed or damaged thousands of buildings, including homes, schools, health facilities and water networks, and severely impacted the enjoyment of the rights to housing, education and health. The consequences of the earthquakes for already vulnerable communities have been exacerbated by decades of war, an economic crisis, underfunding of humanitarian assistance, and the deterioration of the human rights situation since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021.
Turning to the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, he said it has worsened drastically over the past two years, in a step-by-step manner. For example, there has been a continued narrowing of permitted economic activity for women outside the home. In addition to earlier bans on women working for non-governmental organizations and the United Nations, there have been further restrictions on women’s participation in the media and beauty sectors in recent months, as well as increased enforcement of rules such as not allowing women to congregate in public parks. Citing positive developments, he said the Taliban have banned forced marriage. However, more and more women and girls are missing out on education above sixth grade at school and university. The de facto authorities continue to claim that the suspension is temporary, but it has already been in place for more than two years. “The suspension of education has curbed opportunities for women and girls’ personal and educational growth, reversed decades of progress, and severely affected women’s chances of financial and other forms of independence,” he stressed, adding that these restrictions on education also perpetuate cycles of poverty and reinforce traditional gender roles. “The Taliban’s actions may amount to gender persecution and the systematic discrimination, oppression and segregation require further examination of the evolving phenomenon of ‘gender apartheid’,” he said.
He further voiced concern about reported actions taken by the Taliban towards limiting education to madrasas or focusing education primarily on religious studies. This will not only risk depriving Afghan children of essential knowledge, but — mixed with a lack of unemployment and poverty — may create fertile ground for radical ideologies, intensifying the risk of homegrown terrorism as well as regional and global instability. Highlighting the situation of women human rights defenders, including the arrests in September of Zholia Parsi and Neda Parwani, he underscored that “peacefully promoting human rights for women and girls, as well as other human rights, should never be a crime”. There are no independent institutions left in the country that can freely document human rights violations and provide some kind of accountability, he said, pointing to “a culture of impunity” for torture and inhumane treatment in prisons, and human rights violations against former Government officials and military personnel.
He further urged Pakistan to abandon plans that may result in the mass deportation of 1.4 million Afghans and, instead, continue to host Afghans, provide them with proper documentation, and uphold the principle of non-refoulement. He also urged the international community to support Afghans and Afghan organizations, especially Afghan women; look with a human rights lens at international assistance to the people of Afghanistan; uphold the principle of non-refoulement; and support international investigation and accountability mechanisms.
When the floor opened for comments and questions, delegates condemned the situation of women and girls under the Taliban, called for accountability for the authorities’ stark decrease in civic space and asked how Member States can ensure humanitarian assistance.
The representative of Afghanistan said it is crucial to keep his country high on the international agenda, as its people will pay the price otherwise. He welcomed the report and its recommendations, noting that its details of the human rights violations of the Taliban are “just the beginning”. After two years of its forced takeover, the Taliban has failed in its obligations to ensure human rights for all in the country, he said, noting that deliberate suppression of women and girls' rights, including to education and employment, constitutes gender apartheid. Restrictions on women’s employment in beauty salons, media and organizing venues underscore a reduction in opportunities, increasing their reliance on humanitarian aid, though they continue to protest.
The resulting humanitarian crisis in the absence of accountable governance only exacerbates their treatment, he added, expressing concern over increased forced child marriage. The Taliban’s crackdown on media workers and journalists has eroded free speech, he said, while restrictions on freedom of assembly has prevented peaceful protests. Civic space has nearly disappeared, he said. Despite the Taliban’s claims of amnesty for former Government officials, arbitrary arrests and summary executions persist, he said, citing the killing of a former Council member in Herat. Child labour and sexual violence against children are on the rise and religious minorities including Hazara, Shias and Sikhs are subject to attacks and collective punishment. He voiced concern over the treatment of refugees and migrants in neighboring countries, welcoming the joint statement of Special Rapporteurs regarding the protection of over 1.4 million refugees, and against forced return from Pakistan, whose generous hosting is appreciated. It is imperative that the international community takes action to ensure a comprehensive settlement leading to a political structure respecting the people’s dignity to achieve long-term peace and prosperity, he said.
The representative of Spain expressed alarm over edicts handed down by the Taliban, noting that they amount to gender persecution. To that end, Spain launched the “Hear Us” initiative in 2022 to give Afghan women in the diaspora a safe voice in international legal frameworks, including the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice.
The representative of the United Kingdom condemned attacks on civil society actors despite declared amnesty by the Taliban, asking what more the international community can do for women and girls in Afghanistan.
The representative of Pakistan voiced concern that 85 per cent of people in Afghanistan now live in poverty. The humanitarian response plan for 2023 is underfunded and sanctions and disengagement of development partners are impacting social and cultural rights and region. Unintended consequences include the proliferation of informal financial channels. At a time when many countries fail to meet their human rights obligations, the international community must prioritize helping Afghans beyond geopolitics, he said, urging unhindered humanitarian access to the region.
The representative of Liechtenstein asked to what extent the most recent visit to the country allowed the Special Rapporteur to demand the upholding of rights of women and girls. Further, he asked how women’s access to humanitarian aid can be improved.
The representative of Norway expressed concern over shrinking civil space, underscoring the importance of documenting human rights abuses. She commended the Special Rapporteur’s approach in engaging with the Afghan Government, asking what the best ways are to support Afghan civil society, particularly women-led organizations.
The representative of Indonesia said his country will contribute humanitarian aid along with other stakeholders and Member States, including 10 million doses of vaccines with the cooperation of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as well as provide women with opportunities through an initiative with Qatar.
The representative of Malaysia condemned acts of violence against women and girls and ethnic religious minorities, noting his support for an Afghan-led and owned peace and reconciliation process that must be inclusive, upholding fundamental rights and freedoms. He asked how the international community can ensure that humanitarian assistance is received by those in need.
The representative of the United States expressed concern over Taliban edicts targeting women and girls and human rights defenders that prevent them from working as journalists. Noting an alarming rise in corporal punishments, he asked how Member States can best pursue accountability for ongoing abuses.
The representative The Russian Federation said that two years have passed since the world saw United States troops shooting at civilians during the evacuation at Kabul airport, lamenting that such crimes will probably never be investigated by the International Criminal Court. He suggested that poverty and food insecurity can be alleviated if Washington returns Afghanistan’s financial resources.
In Response, Mr. BENNET noted that Afghan women have advised him to talk with them — not about them. Other important actions that Member States can make include never meeting with the Taliban without women in their delegations and persistently bringing up human rights in unrelated discussions. The Taliban says that the suspension from education is a temporary measure, he recalled, noting that a door is still technically open. Recalling several Muslim countries’ condemnation of the treatment of women and girls, he said there is no religious justification for their treatment, emphasizing the importance of keeping pressure on the Taliban to reopen institutions to girls and women. The extreme repression of women in the region has far-reaching implications, leading to a broader weakening of standards globally, he warned.
Afghanistan deserves accountability mechanisms that are proportionate to the gravity of the situation and equivalent to other countries’ situations, he said, noting that there are already avenues, including the International Court of justice. Member States should invoke universal jurisdiction, when possible, he added, noting that other forms of accountability include reports by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), other mandate holders and treaty bodies. Civil society needs accessible funding for local non-governmental organizations led by women, which are still operating but will not be able to continue without support.
Various groups in and outside the country have expressed concerns that the situation of Afghans is being normalized in the face of geopolitical interest, he said, calling on the international community to stand up for the rights of Afghans. Youth must be listened to, as half the population of the country is under the age of 22, he said. Focus must remain on accountability, but improving the stability, human rights and prosperity for the future of Afghanistan must be a priority.
Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
In the afternoon, the Committee further elaborated on the theme “Promotion and protection of human rights”, with interactive dialogues featuring presentations by: Navi Pillay, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel; Francesca P. Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967; and Isha Dyfan, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia.
Ms. PILLAY said that the eruption of violence in Israel and Palestine since 7 October is profoundly concerning, citing thousands of civilian deaths and extensive damage to civilian structures. The Commission unequivocally condemns the killing of over 1,000 Israeli citizens by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups as well as the taking of over 200 Israeli hostages, including children, she added. It also unequivocally condemns Israeli military attacks, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians. The Commission calls for an immediate ceasefire and safe return of all hostages and will continue to collect and preserve evidence, in view of accountability for human rights violations, identifying individual criminal responsibility. Calling on the Israeli Government, the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas de facto authority in Gaza to support the investigation and grant access as soon as possible, she urged the General Assembly to support the process.
Turning to the “Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel” (document A/78/198), the Chair recalled that, while the report was completed before this upsurge in violence, its findings are “tragically relevant”, as it examines the use of force by Israel and the de facto authorities in Gaza. Israel’s increasingly militarized law enforcement in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza consistently violate international humanitarian law, she said. Such actions are linked to Israel’s goals of maintaining the unlawful occupation and weakening Palestinian opposition, as well as its political, economic and social cohesion. The Commission also finds that the indiscriminate firing of projectiles by armed groups in Gaza toward Israeli cities constitute war crimes.
Israel has used excessive force in disrupting protests among Palestinians asserting their right to self-determination, resulting in deaths and permanent injuries, she said. She added that large scale arrest operations to dismantle armed groups in the West Bank are treated as military operations, resulting in the application of far more permissive rules of engagement. One such result was the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin in May 2022. The report also addresses the human rights violations of Israeli authorities and Hamas in Gaza of withholding bodies for “bargaining chips”, causing severe trauma to families of the deceased, with a particular gendered impact on Palestinian female relatives, she said. The continuing unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory has overwhelmingly affected Palestinian children, who experience human violations, some of which amount to war crimes, she said.
“Justice takes time, but it is our collective obligation to pursue it,” she said, noting that the General Assembly’s cooperation to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the Israeli Occupation last year is encouraging. All parties must cooperate fully with investigations, she added, stressing that, above all, the Israeli Government must end its 56-year occupation and recognize the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
When the floor opened for questions and comments, the representative of Israel called Hamas a barbaric group that has filmed unimaginable acts of violence for all the world to see since its 7 October attacks on Israel. This Commission has been dedicated to justifying and downplaying Palestinian terrorism, while delegitimizing and demonizing Israel’s efforts to defend itself. The Commission has sent a clear message to Hamas, other terrorist groups and Iran that they have little to fear on the international front. The Human Rights Council and its open-ended Commission on Inquiry has created the immoral equivalent between a democracy defending itself, following international law, and radical terrorists. Hamas and other terrorist groups have been carrying out acts of terrorism for decades. The report is not just a mockery but a damning indictment of the moral corruption of the Commission. Israel goes to extraordinary lengths to avoid civilian casualties, despite the Palestinian terrorists’ use of civilians as human shields. He said the report is riddled with many inaccuracies. The United Nations was founded in the wake of the Holocaust and a sacred vow of “never again”. Israel will not rest until its people can live in peace and security.
The observer for State of Palestine asked anyone to explain why the situation in human rights in Palestine, as a conflict area, should not be examined by the Committee. She asked why the violations of the occupying Power should not be looked at and why Israel should enjoy a special status. “Are the Palestinians less worthy,” she asked. States have a duty and obligation to protect their citizens and the State of Palestine also has a duty and obligation to protect its citizens, she said, stressing that it is seeking redress through legal and political channels, including the Commission on Inquiry. Its mandate is to investigate violations against Palestinian citizens and present the facts as they are. Many Member States are already informed of these facts. The scale of Israel’s brutal war against Gaza is massive, with Gaza besieged for 17 years, as Israel runs a campaign that aims to make its crimes normal. She called on the international community to stay out of this criminal campaign. “We are not human animals, but human beings who have suffered loss […] for decades,” she said. She called for the international community to recognize the equal value of Palestinian life and end the war.
In the ensuring debate, many delegates condemned the attacks on civilians and urged all parties to adhere to international law and humanitarian law and allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians trapped in Gaza. Some delegates expressed their concerns with the broad reach of the Commission’s work and its open-ended mandate, while others supported the Commission’s work and felt its investigations were well founded.
In the first camp, the representative of the United Kingdom said his delegation regretted the creation of the Commission in May 2021. His delegation firmly supports human rights and the Commission does not further those goals. Echoing that view, the representative of Albania called the report one-sided and said it does not reflect the destructive role of Hamas and other terrorist groups. He expressed concern about its unlimited scope and the absence of a time frame for its duration, a view echoed by Hungary’s delegate.
The representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, said her delegation did not support the Commission’s creation in May 2021 because of its broad mandate and open-ended scope. She said the current conflict must be urgently ended and a two-State solution in line with relevant Security Council resolutions achieved. The representative of Australia said the protection of civilian lives must be the priority, with rules of humanitarian law and international law upheld. A solution to the conflict must be guided by the principles of a just two-State solution. The Commission’s excessive scope does not support the process of peace.
Among those delegates supporting the Commission’s work and its latest report, the representative of Iraq asked what mechanisms the international community should use to hold the occupying Power responsible for its actions. Algeria’s delegate asked what steps can be taken in the face of the Security Council’s inaction. Can the international community depend on international courts or is a special tribunal needed?
Malaysia’s delegate supported the Commission’s work and condemned efforts to discredit its findings. Israel’s atrocities have been well documented, he said, expressing solidarity with the Palestinians. The representative of Bangladesh condemned all illegal acts and the culture of impunity enjoyed by Israel. The representative of Cuba said the United States gives Israel this impunity through its support, while the representative of Iran asked what Member States can do to ensure Israel is included in the annex of the Secretary-General’s report on armed conflict.
Responding, Ms. PILLAY noted that the report was prepared before the 7 October Hamas attack occurred, adding that the Commission has issued a press statement stating there is clear evidence of war crimes, violations of international law and targeting of civilians. Those responsible must be held accountable. She noted that many delegates shared the Commission’s focus on the need for justice and accountability when humanitarian law has been violated in Israel and Palestine. She said the Commission has a unique expanded mandate and the United Nations does not need to create another institution.
Referring to statements that the Commission is biased, she said she served more than eight years as a judge on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and many of the same allegations of atrocities were described. “No one accused us of bias,” she said, adding that Commission members have experience in judging these types of crimes. She appealed to Israel to let the Commission into areas of Palestine, Gaza and the West Bank and let it carry out investigations to ensure justice and accountability. The Commission’s mandate is to safeguard and share information with courts. She said Member States must adhere to the international humanitarian laws and conventions they have approved.
Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967
Ms. ALBANESE, presenting her second report (document A/78/545), said the events of 7 October have marked a major tragic turn in the history of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel. About 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed in Israel, with thousands more injured following brutal attacks by Palestinian paramilitary forces emanating from the occupied Gaza Strip. Much of what these militants have done against civilians in Israel are war crimes and must be accounted for. In response, Israeli occupation forces have yet again indiscriminately bombarded the Gaza Strip, hitting entire residential areas, schools, hospitals, mosques and churches and killing around 5,000 people. Israel has further tightened the unlawful siege of the Gaza Strip, depriving the population of indispensable items of survival at such a critical time, including food, water, energy and medicines. Starvation as a tool of war is now being waged on the civilian population of Gaza, exposing those who have survived the incessant bombardment to further risk of death or disease.
She highlighted these events as the latest symptom of “the epic failure” of the international community to address decades of Israel’s illegality and impunity and end its “forever occupation”. Palestinian children, constituting half of the population under occupation, are the prime victims of this system, living in constant fear and despair. One of the most troubling requests I heard from the children I interviewed for this report was to “ask the world” why it continues to neglect them. “Are Palestinian children less worthy?” “Are we less human?”,” she recalled. For any Palestinian child, living under Israeli occupation is a deeply traumatic experience, she said, adding that Israel deliberately deprives Palestinian children of their fundamental human rights, as part of its drive to impede the development of Palestinian society. Lethal attacks on Palestinians by Israeli soldiers and armed settlers in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, and methodical military assaults against Gaza, epitomize daily hardships and injustices endured by generations of Palestinian children.
She reported that, from 2008 until 6 October 2023, 1,434 Palestinian children were killed, with an additional 32,175 sustaining injuries, primarily at the hands of Israeli occupation forces. Of these, 1,025 children were killed in Gaza alone since the unlawful blockade began in 2007. During the same timeframe, 25 Israeli children were killed, mostly by Palestinian assailants, and 524 were injured. The plight of Palestinian children is amplified by their frequent encounters with Israel’s so-called ‘juvenile military justice system’, a legal oxymoron in itself. An average of 500 to 700 Palestinian children, as young as 12, are arbitrarily detained by Israeli occupation forces each year. Palestinian children are often arrested in the middle of the night during violent raids, interrogated without a lawyer or a family member, and subjected to brutal practices and solitary confinement before being charged, sentenced and imprisoned. Documented mistreatment inflicted upon children often amount to torture. Israel’s rhetoric and practices, framing Palestinian children as “human shields” or “terrorists” to justify the violence against them and their parents — often amplified in Western discourse — “profoundly dehumanize Palestinian children”, she said.
“Whether in the densely populated besieged Gaza Strip, the impoverished West Bank enclaves or annexed East Jerusalem, generations of Palestinian children have seen their lives reduced to the bare minimum and cut short,” she said, adding that the coercive environment Israel subjects them to leads to the “unchilding” of Palestinian children. She underscored that many of the Israeli occupation forces' violations detailed in her report may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, urging the international community — including the International Criminal Court — to end the cycle of impunity, bring to justice the perpetrators of all alleged crimes committed there, and ensure Israel’s compliance with international law.
In the ensuing interactive dialogue, delegates condemned the indiscriminate airstrikes in Gaza as well as attacks by Hamas on children. Some underscored Israel’s right to self-defence, while others called on the occupying Power to take steps towards a two-State solution.
The observer of the State of Palestine said that more than 2,000 Palestinian children have been killed over 18 days in the Gaza Strip and every 15 minutes a child is pulled from the rubble of their home. Many small hearts are now filled with fear and unbearable pain due to the unrelenting bombardment, she said, calling on the international community to support an immediate ceasefire. Children in Palestine need only to open their windows to see the wall, apartheid and other human rights violations they experience every day, she added. “Children cannot unsee killing,” cannot unhear the bombing and crying voices of bereaved mothers and they cannot unfeel oppression and loss or restore the sense of family or a school, she said. This is what parents and grandparents have had to endure for years, she added, underscoring that a child is a child. All children must be protected and none should be targeted.
The representative of Israel said the Special Rapporteur hides behind the guise of human rights to spread lies about his country following the worst attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust. She is not independent or unbiased, he said, citing instances of support for the terrorist group Hamas on social media and her use of the term “Jewish lobby”. Worse, at an online conference in Gaza, Ms. Albanese said that resistance to occupation requires violence. Is slicing open a pregnant woman and removing the fetus and stabbing it required violence? Does it look like 1,400 dead Israelis and kidnapped hostages, he asked. Condemning the Rapporteur for questioning clear acts of genocide committed by Hamas, he highlighted the irony of her taking offense when her antisemitism is called out. Israel refuses to engage with her, he said, decrying that the UN empowers an antisemitic voice by providing a platform to spread vitriol.
The representative of Japan emphasized the importance of the release of hostages, and de-escalating the situation as soon as possible. Given the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Japan will give $10 million to international organizations and continue to provide assistance if appropriate.
The representative of South Africa underscored the importance of trusting the independent experts of the UN. The world is witnessing relentless airstrikes on Gaza, a densely populated city where half the population are children as well as a “shockingly high death toll”. The only way to protect children’s lives is to stop this violence, he said.
The representative of Yemen said that Israel, the occupying Power, continues to target Palestinian children and their families, decrying the destruction of homes as contrary to international law. He asked how Israel can be held accountable for violating the rights of children. The representative of Jordan said the collective punishment of a besieged population is a war crime. She asked if the only democracy in the Middle East has continued to block the Special Rapporteur from entering its territory.
The representative of Chile appealed to Israel to respect the rights of girls and boys and respect their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. To that end, it is in everyone’s interest to start a dialogue and move toward stability in the region, she said.
The representative of Norway noted that the country strongly condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks, underscoring that Israel has the right to take proportional measures of self-defence. It must also take measures to reduce civilian casualties and damage, she added, expressing deep concern for the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and calling for the restoration of water and electricity to Gaza.
The representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, condemned in the strongest possible terms Hamas and it’s brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel, adding that the horrendous death toll of civilians is haunting. The establishment of a two-State solution is indispensable for peace in the region, she said, noting that the bloc remains committed to supporting a just and lasting peace in line with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
The representative of Ireland, aligning with the European Union, expressed grave concern over the situation, reiterating that “even wars have rules”. Ireland calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law. Children should not be targeted and indiscriminate attacks should not take place. Further, Ireland supports a ceasefire for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The representative of Lebanon said that parents in Gaza are writing the name of children on their bodies to identify them if they are killed. She asked, “What is the international community waiting for to stop such bloodshed?”.
The representative of Kuwait said “the time has come to see facts as they are and not as we would like them to be”. Calling into question the Committee’s commitment to protect human rights while violations take place against the children of Palestine, she called on the international community to respect international humanitarian law.
The representative of Egypt noted that the detention of children is a violation of the right of life. The situation in the region will not end unless the international community acts. He asked how to oblige Israel to comply with all resolutions and how to protect the rights of Palestinian children.
In response, Ms. ALBANESE said that Special Rapporteurs are accustomed to attracting criticism from those alleged to engage in violations of international law. However, issuing attacks on her character is unproductive, she said If the Israeli delegation feels the report is inaccurate, the country can respond to her calls to be granted access to carry out her mandate more fully, she said.
These tragic circumstances in the Middle East are an opportunity for the international community to act with wisdom and even-handedly, she said. It is possible to stand in solidarity with Israelis and Palestinians at the same time, as they have both experienced incredible losses, she said. States, however, are held to different standards than people. Statements from delegations seem to be out of touch with the reality on the ground, she stressed. While some States express support for Israel, mentions of a single crime committed against the Palestinian people is lacking, she said, noting that, in 15 days, 5,000 people have been killed in Gaza, a larger amount than in five wars over the past several years. Self-defence is misplaced here, according to international law, she said, noting that it may be used to repel an attack but it ends there. The moment Israel started bombing Gaza indiscriminately, confusing civilians with Hamas, they were committing war crimes by indiscriminately targeting civilians and also tightening a blockade. “The population of Gaza is bleeding,” she said.
While the framework of self-defence is wrong, international human rights law and the UN Charter are the appropriate frameworks here, she said. According to both, a ceasefire is needed immediately, allowing the entrance of humanitarian aid adequate to the needs of the people. The UN has the capacity to supervise the delivery of aid without creating a security threat. Another thing needed is a protective presence in the occupied Palestinian territories, she said, citing increasing settler violence toward Palestinian civilians. The situation will not improve unless international law is applied, she stressed.
Human Rights in Somalia
Ms. DYFAN delivered her report on human rights in Somalia, covering the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 (document A/78/358). She said the security situation in Somalia remains volatile. During the reporting period, the Government of Somalia launched a military offensive against the Al-Shabaab militant group with the support of clan militias, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops and the United States Africa Command. Although important security gains have been made in the ongoing offensive, Al-Shabaab continues to carry out deadly attacks through suicide bombings across the country. She strongly condemned the continued deadly attacks, urging the Government to take steps to ensure the protection of civilians and armed groups to comply strictly with obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. She expressed deep concern at the imposition of the death penalty on children in Puntland. She urged the Government and federal member states to treat children accused of crimes under international law committed — while they were allegedly or actually associated with armed forces or armed groups — as victims rather than perpetrators, and to use detention only as a measure of last resort for the shortest appropriate period.
She welcomed the Government of Somalia`s announcement of amnesty for Al- Shabaab in August 2023 and urged members of Al-Shabaab to avail of the deal and turn in their weapons to the Government. She said the lack of funding by ATMIS poses a significant risk to the security transition, and called for it to continue, noting that such support will help forces enhance the security situation in Somalia. Despite calls for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and attempts by the Government of Somalia to de-escalate tensions, violence regrettably has continued between the Somaliland security forces and armed Dhulbahante clan members in Laascaanood. Civilians have continued to pay the heaviest price in human lives. According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), there have been at least 552 civilian casualties, of whom 87 were killed and 465 were injured, between 27 December 2022 and 15 June 2023. In addition, more than 185,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced, with some fleeing across the border to Ethiopia, according to an inter-agency assessment mission by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Fighting has also resulted in the destruction of civilian infrastructure, notably schools and medical facilities.
The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains dire due to insecurity, armed violence and climate shocks, including recurring droughts and flooding. According to the Office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 8.25 million people in the country, mostly women and children, are in urgent need of assistance, owing to prolonged and severe drought. While the Gu rains brought some relief to drought-affected communities, they also brought widespread flooding, affecting at least 468,000 people and displacing over 247,000 people, as of 6 June 2023. According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), at least 1.2 million people and 1.5 million hectares of productive land are at high risk of flooding due to El Niño rains. She remains dismayed by continuing restrictions on civic space, including arbitrary arrests and detentions of journalists, censorship of the media and self-censorship by journalists.
In the ensuing interactive dialogue, the representative of the United Kingdom expressed particular concern at increased risk of conflict-related sexual violence in Somalia, consistently high levels of internal displacement and restrictions on freedom of expression, among others, and asked how the expert plans to use her visit to the country next month.
The delegate for the European Union, in its capacity as observer, asked how the international community can best support Somalia in implementation of benchmarks and indicators for the improvement of the human rights situation, as set out in previous reports.
The representative for Switzerland said Somalia needs a legal framework to curb conflict-related sexual violence, domestic violence and the impact of practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.
The delegate for the United States asked what efforts are being taken by Somalia to prevent and respond to increased rates of gender-based violence, and what more can be done.
The representative for China said his country has been actively involved in Somalia's peace process, providing humanitarian assistance and socioeconomic development support, and has supported the Government's efforts to combat violent terrorist activities and protect its people.
The delegate for the Russian Federation said his country supports efforts made by the Somali leadership aimed at stabilizing the internal political situation and called on Member States, international human rights organizations and the donor community to continue working on a constructive dialogue with Somalia.
In her response, Ms. DYFAN said she has started planning her forthcoming visit to Somalia with the Government, and aims to prioritize discussions of benchmarks and indicators. In the last six to eight weeks, a lot of work has been done in terms of addressing benchmarks in relation to children's rights and juvenile rights, she said, noting that she hopes to focus more on the issue of sexual and gender-based violence.
She noted a reported reduction in executions in Somalia this year. She expressed confidence that the Government will be willing to sit and discuss the issue with her.
Regarding an increase in gender-based violence, she highlighted the Somali Government’s response. A draft of the legal framework proposed in the 2018 Sexual Offences Bill is now going to the cabinet. She said the measure is one of the legal frameworks that will protect women and girls in the future.
In closing, she said Somalia is at a crossroads and continues to face multiple challenges, including insecurity, violence and natural disasters, such as droughts and flooding, as well as inequality, discrimination and youth unemployment.
Civilians also continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Many children are malnourished and hundreds of thousands of families have been displaced. It is a stark reminder that the situation in Somalia requires sustained attention and support from the international community.