Finland committed to improve the position of Somalian women and girls
Almost 70 international donor organisations and countries met in Brussels on 16 September, at a high-level Somalia conference. The conference announced a joint set of principles laying down the key priorities and goals for the delivery of aid to Somalia over the next three years. In the Finnish address to the conference, Minister for International Development Heidi Hautala dealt with the social and economic reconstruction of Somalia and specifically highlighted the importance of improving the position of women and girls.
Minister Hautala said that as of 2014, Finland will be doubling its aid to Somalia. In 2013–2016 Finnish aid will come to a total of almost 35 million euros, with new commitments amounting to 15 million euros. If reliable international funding channels can be set up as planned, Finland can move to increase its aim volume very quickly. In addition Finland will provide humanitarian assistance on a needs basis.
“Finnish support will be channelled through bilateral and NGO projects to the health sector, to the development of local administration together with communities, and to improving the position of women and girls,” Minister Hautala explained.
In 2013 Finnish assistance to Somalia will total around 14 million euros, consisting of humanitarian aid, bilateral projects and support to NGOs.
The Brussels conference contributed to strengthening cooperation between the Somalian government and donor agencies so as to ensure that the aid provided reaches its intended recipients and benefits the country’s development. Key issues on the agenda included Somalia’s political development, the country’s social and economic reconstruction as well as its rule of law development and security situation.
The priority areas identified for Somalian development were an inclusive policy, the strengthening of the security sector, the development of the judicial system and tax administration, and the establishment and improvement of public services. Given the devastating effects of civil war on the country, it is important to support development at both national and regional level.
Minister Hautala visited Somalia in April 2013 together with Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja. As well as providing first hand information about the situation in Somalia, this visit served to support the Somalian government in its development efforts.
“I saw with my own eyes just how strong a sense of new beginning there is in the country. I saw the sense of enterprise among local people as well as their faith in the future. The atmosphere at the Brussels conference was likewise very positive: there was broad support for the jointly adopted Somalian development plan,” Minister Hautala said.
Additional information: Milma Kettunen, Press Attaché to Minister Hautala, tel. +358 40 522 9869