The European Parliament adopted by 625 votes to 6, with 55 abstentions, a resolution on the situation in Somalia.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR, The Left groups and Members.
Parliament expressed its deep concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Somalia which is grappling with political instability, terrorist activities, food insecurity, drought, climate crisis and COVID-19.
International aid agencies have warned that Somalia is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, with an estimated 5.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and more than 2.7 million people facing a food emergency across the country, including more than 800 000 children under the age of five at risk of acute malnutrition.
Members condemned all human rights violations and attacks on civilians, aid workers, journalists, election officials and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) by terrorist groups, including Al-Shabab. They called for a cessation of hostilities and, to the extent possible, for the continuation of a comprehensive dialogue to resolve political differences with a meaningful role for women at all levels.
Recalling that lasting stability and peace in Somalia can only be achieved through social inclusion and good governance based on democratic principles and the rule of law, Parliament called on Somalia's leaders to redouble their efforts to complete the country's electoral process and to complete the holding of inclusive and credible elections for the Lower House before the end of 2021, so that presidential elections can be held as soon as possible.
Members called on the EU and its international partners to urgently increase humanitarian aid and provide additional support for the fight against COVID-19, including through the sharing of vaccines and the provision of essential medical equipment and pharmaceutical products.
The Somali authorities are called upon to:
- cease all arbitrary arrests and release all persons subject to unlawful and unjustifiable detention, and declare an immediate moratorium on the arrest and imprisonment of journalists in the exercise of their journalistic duties;
- combat acts of harassment and intimidation of civilians by security forces, politicians and local authorities, and ensure that those responsible bear the consequences of their actions;
- end executions ordered by military courts, adopt a moratorium and abolish the death penalty;
- strengthen the rule of law, establish an independent and impartial judiciary and ensure reparations for victims of extrajudicial and excessive violence;
- promptly adopt the Protection of Civilians Policy and the National Counter-Terrorism bill, and ensure that they fully comply with international human rights standards;
- eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and adopt progressive legislation against female genital mutilation.
Parliament affirmed its support for all human rights and environmental defenders in Somalia. It also expressed its support for the Somali Transition Plan (STP) with regard to AMISOM operations and called for its timely implementation.