{"id":3263,"date":"2025-10-29T17:27:01","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T22:27:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unmissionny.orderofmalta.int\/?post_type=news&p=3263"},"modified":"2025-10-29T17:29:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T22:29:24","slug":"counsellor-mrs-marissa-blackett-addresses-the-third-committee-on-the-situation-of-human-rights-in-somalia-led-by-ms-isha-dyfan","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/unmissionny.orderofmalta.int\/en\/news\/counsellor-mrs-marissa-blackett-addresses-the-third-committee-on-the-situation-of-human-rights-in-somalia-led-by-ms-isha-dyfan\/","title":{"rendered":"Counsellor Mrs. Marissa Blackett Addresses the Third Committee on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, led by Ms. Isha Dyfan"},"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-3263","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry","news_categories-delegation-and-staff","news_categories-news","news_categories-statements"],"acf":{"hidden_news":"no","evidence":"yes","focus_on":"no","breaking":"yes","cover_image_copyrighted":false,"news_content":"

On October 29th, the Third Committee of the General Assembly convened to consider the human rights situation in Somalia, featuring the presentation of the fifth and final report of Ms. Isha Dyfan, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia<\/em>, followed by an intervention from Mrs. Marissa Blackett, Counsellor at the Sovereign Order of Malta.<\/p>\n

Ms. Dyfan opened her address by acknowledging the resilience of the Somali people amid decades of conflict, humanitarian crises, and human rights violations. Covering developments between July 2024 and June 2025, her report underscored that Somalia stands at a pivotal juncture, indeed one where progress toward reconciliation and recovery remains fragile and dependent on sustained national reform and predictable international support.<\/p>\n

She highlighted the country\u2019s ongoing political and security challenges, including tensions between the Federal Government and Federal Member States, the resurgence of Al-Shabaab, and the heavy toll of violence on civilians. While recognizing notable advances, for example, the adoption of key constitutional chapters, the appointment of commissioners to the Independent National Human Rights Commission, and progress toward inclusion through the 30 percent quota for women\u2019s participation. However, she cautioned that these gains remain vulnerable without continued engagement and resources from the international community.<\/p>\n

The Independent Expert called for accelerated adoption of pending human rights legislation, stronger accountability mechanisms, and the consolidation of political dialogue and reconciliation. She further urged Member States to ensure that security transitions do not create protection vacuums, and to integrate human rights and climate resilience across all forms of assistance. In closing, she commended the courage and determination of the Somali people, reaffirming that Somalia\u2019s future must be anchored in peace, justice, and human dignity.<\/p>\n

Speaking on behalf of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Counsellor Blackett emphasized that Somalia\u2019s protracted crisis represents not only a humanitarian emergency but a profound test of the international community\u2019s collective conscience. She drew attention to the plight of children, women, and civilians caught in cycles of violence, underscoring that abductions, forced recruitment, and child marriage constitute grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.<\/p>\n

Ms. Blackett outlined the Order\u2019s humanitarian engagement across the Horn of Africa, where emergency medical care, nutrition, and psychosocial support are provided to those most affected by conflict and displacement. She stressed, however, that while such assistance is vital, lasting progress depends on long-term investment in peacebuilding, education, and the strengthening of local governance structures capable of protecting human rights and delivering essential services.<\/p>\n

Recalling the words of Pope John XXIII, Counsellor Blackett affirmed that peace cannot exist where human dignity is denied. She called on all international partners to renew their commitment to protecting civilians and children in Somalia and to ensure accountability for all violations of international law.<\/p>\n

The discussion reaffirmed that Somalia\u2019s path to lasting peace and stability rests on the promotion of human rights, inclusion, and justice. These principles continue to guide the Sovereign Order of Malta\u2019s humanitarian mission and its engagement in support of the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n","news_gallery":"no","news_cover":{"id":3269,"url":"https:\/\/unmissionny.orderofmalta.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/10\/3C-marissa-2025.png"},"news_video":"