UNSOM
Press release
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Deputy Special Representative for the UN Secretary-General for
Somalia (DSRSG) Fatiha Serour today officiated at celebrations in Garowe,
capital of the Federal State of Puntland, to mark International Human Rights
Day and the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
Events on the day
included a football match between the internally displaced and host communities,
theatrical productions and a public discussion on human rights in Puntland
between government officials, NGOs, civil society and the media.
Speaking at the event, DSRSG Serour reminded participants of the origins
of International Human Rights Day, which came into existence to bring attention
to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard
of achievement for all peoples and all nations. She noted that although
there has been progress over the years in developing conventions and instruments
to protect human rights, there is much work to be done on the ground.
“We cannot sit back and wait, we must step forward and fight human rights
abuses,” she said.
Meeting Asha Mohammud Ahmed, Deputy Minister for Women, Family and Social
Affairs, and women’s groups, DSRSG Serour said she was impressed with
the vibrant women’s movement in Puntland, but noted that major challenges
remained, not least of which is the poor representation of women in the
ongoing political process to select a parliament and president.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with UNSOM to advance women’s rights
in Puntland, and recognize that to achieve this, we need to have one vision
and one goal,” said Minister Mohammud.
While in Garowe, Ms Serour also met with Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire,
and reiterated UNSOM’s support for a free, fair and inclusive electoral
process.