UAE Statement in front of the Human Rights Council on Somalia

The UAE has voiced its support for the recommendations of the United Nations Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia, Bahame Tom Mukirya Nyanduga, to provide enough resources to ensure the success of the Somalia New Deal, an indispensable comprehensive vehicle adopted by the Somali government to carry out projects as part of an international technical assistance programme in the field of human rights.

The independent international expert prepared the report following two visits to the country in 2013 and 2014 based on UN Human Rights Council's Resolution 24/30 on "Assistance to Somalia in the Field of Human Rights."

Ambassador Obaid Salim Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva, made the remarks as part of the country's statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation in Somalia, held by the UN Human Rights Council.

He stressed that Somalia continues to experience exceptional security circumstances due to the escalating activity of armed rebels.

"This situation is having a negative impact on the Somali government's efforts to establish security and stability in the country in accordance with the Somalia New Deal, which is aimed, among other things, at improving human rights, establishing the rule of law and social justice.

The ambassador added, "The UAE, on the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, spared no effort to back humanitarian and development efforts in Somalia. As one of the most generous supporters of Somalia, the UAE provided US$50 million in the past few years, in addition to in-kind assistance from the country's charities, namely the Emirates Red Crescent and the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, to build hospitals, healthcare centres and schools and provide drinkable water. The UAE also funds initiatives aimed at curbing the conflict in Somalia and contributing towards restoring government institutions to help restore peace and security to the country."

The UAE ambassador also called for intensified support and co-ordination with other donor nations to help Somalia overcome the current difficult circumstances, eradicate terrorist and extremist groups, survive the current crises and ultimately improve the situation.