Wednesday September 29, 2021
A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for efforts to improve political
stability and national unity in Somalia in order to boost women's full
participation in political life.
Women represent an important force in achieving lasting peace and building an inclusive society.
In recent years, the Somali government has made great efforts to
protect women's rights and interests, combat gender-based violence, and
enhance women's voice in political, economic, and social life, said Dai
Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.
China
welcomes the Somali government's commitment to guaranteeing women's
seats in the upcoming elections and the concrete measures taken to
encourage women's political participation, he told the Security Council.
After
a long period of war in Somalia, national reconstruction cannot be
accomplished overnight. The international community needs to be patient,
and encourages, in a step-by-step manner, greater political inclusivity
in Somalia, he said. "Political stability and national unity in Somalia
will help create favorable conditions for women's equal, full and
effective participation in political life."
Dai expressed concern
over the possible impact of the differences among Somali leaders on the
political and security situation on the ground.
On Sept. 18, the
Security Council issued a press statement, calling on Somali leaders to
exercise restraint, put the interests of the country and people first,
overcome differences through dialogue and consultation, and maintain
political security and stability, he said.
"We believe that
Somali leaders will heed the voices and wishes of the people and the
international community by strengthening unity."
China encourages
the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and
the top UN envoy for Somalia to continue their mediation efforts to
bring the political situation in Somalia back on track, he said.
The
most urgent task for Somalia right now is to hold elections
successfully. China encourages Somalia to continue to advance the
electoral process in accordance with the timeframe agreed on by all
parties and resolve the outstanding issues through political dialogue.
The
international community should continue to provide necessary financial
and technical support for the elections in accordance with the principle
of a Somali-led and Somali-owned process, he said.