Workshop on ending impunity

Published: Nov. 25, 2008 at 6:47 PM

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The United Nations is supporting a new effort in Somalia to end impunity and establish rule of law in a move to bring peace to the war-ravaged country.

The United Nations sponsored a two-day workshop, attended by officials from Somalia's Transitional Federal Government and the Islamic Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia, which aims at ending impunity, the United Nations reported.

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, U.N. special representative for Somalia, called on Somali leaders at the workshop to establish a commission of inquiry and an international court to bring criminals to justice. Officials say the ongoing flare-ups in violence and the increased threat from pirates off the Somali coast are largely the result of an impasse over implementing a peace deal and from impunity.

"Impunity has been addressed in many post-conflict countries such as Burundi, Cambodia, Liberia and Sierra Leone," Ould-Abdallah said in a statement.

"Time has come to address impunity and crimes committed by Somalis since the beginning of the civil war. ... I urge all parties, and the international community, to support the cooperation between Somalis to bring an end to impunity."

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints


Additional News Stories
Construction outlays flat in October (4 min)
Vandeweghe takes over winless Nets (20 min)
Home prices increase in Britain (34 min)
Florida's Dunlap arrested for DUI (49 min)
Mars Odyssey orbiter experiences a problem
UPI NewsTrack Business
Rev. Jackson calls for foreclosure hiatus
fark
Seven inventors who need a kick square in the balls
Needy kids who would like a free toy for Christmas, take one step forward. NOT SO FAST, illegal...
Yet again proving that priorities can be totally out of order, among the gems found in Vincent Van...
Like many a Farker, new Sam Adams Utopia beer is already banned in 13 states
South Africa announces new policy of treating all HIV-positive babies. As opposed to their previous...
The next time you get stuck in a toilet, make sure you try the Handel