Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 38th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Somalia

Statement by Australia

7 May 2021

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia commends Somalia for ratifying CRPD. We welcome the child rights bill and strategy to prevent child soldier recruitment and facilitate reintegration.

Australia recommends that Somalia:

1. Hold inclusive, free and fair elections as soon as practicable.
2. Uphold International Humanitarian Law, legislate to address sexual and
   gender-based violence and withdraw the Sexual Intercourse and Related Crimes Bill.
3. Protect the rights of women, including by ratifying CEDAW and take further steps to eliminate female genital mutilation.
4. Abolish the death penalty and accede to ICCPR's Second Optional Protocol.
5. Protect media freedom consistent with ICCPR.