Report of the Secretary-General on Somalia (January 2012)

The report provides an update on recent progress and ongoing challenges in the political strategy on Somalia and the United Nations broader security, humanitarian and recovery goal.

• In the report, the SG recommends that the SC request the African Union to maintain the deployment of AMISOM, and to expand its force strength of 12,000 to 17,731 uniformed personnel, thereby enhancing its ability to carry out its mandate.
• Attention to women peace and security concerns included references to women’s representation and inclusion during the drafting process of the constitution and discussion of women’s civil protection units. In OP 6, the Secretary-General notes that the Special Representative to the SG “has been encouraging the parties to ensure that the constitution-drafting process, the Constituent Assembly and new bodies reflect the diversity of Somalis, including civil society, women and youth.”
• In the Secretary-General’s discussion of women’s civil protection units in OP 12, he notes the work of UN agencies working on human security in Mogadishu, including their work with children and youth as well as the establishment of women’s civil protection units.

Analysis provided by the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, of which WILPF is a member.