MOGADISHU – The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Yusuf Ali Mohamed, presided over a meeting focused on enhancing protection for Somali children and preventing their recruitment and use in armed conflict, as the Federal Government accelerates efforts to comply with international child protection frameworks including the Vancouver Principles.
The high-level gathering, held at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in the capital, brought together members of the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) Working Group, with representatives from the Ministry of Internal Security, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Defence Ministry Commits to Human Rights Standards
The meeting aligns with recent high-level engagements between Somalia’s defence leadership and international partners. The Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, held a strategic meeting with UN Special Representative James Swan, focusing on the critical relationship between national security operations and international human rights standards.
That agreement emphasized the Federal Government’s commitments to protecting children in conflict areas and systematically preventing the recruitment and use of children in combat. Officials noted that full compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) is vital for ensuring the steady flow of international military aid and strategic funding necessary to sustain Somalia’s defense capabilities.
Somalia Ratifies African Child Rights Charter
In a landmark development for child protection in Somalia, the Federal Government formally ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, presenting the instrument of ratification to the African Union in Addis Ababa.
The Minister of Family Affairs and Human Rights Development, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, stated that the move underscores Somalia’s commitment to advancing child welfare, fulfilling its regional and international obligations, and strengthening national systems to safeguard the rights and well-being of every Somali child. The ratification followed significant legislative progress within Somalia’s Federal Parliament.
Child Rights Coalition Launched in Mogadishu
Somalia’s child protection infrastructure continues to expand. Dr. Maryam Qasim, Chairperson of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, launched the “Joining Forces Alliance”, a coalition bringing together Save the Children, SOS Somalia, and Plan International.
During her keynote address, Dr. Qasim stated that all children deserve care, protection, and equal opportunities as fundamental human rights. She emphasized that safeguarding these rights is a shared responsibility involving not just organizations but the government, parliament, educational institutions, and every Somali household.
UNICEF and Human Rights Commission Strengthen Collaboration
The meeting also builds on ongoing collaboration between national human rights institutions and international partners. Dr. Maryam Qasim met with UNICEF Representative Sandra Lattouf to enhance collaboration on child welfare, focusing on promoting children’s rights and improving national mechanisms for child safety.
Discussions included addressing systemic challenges such as child malnutrition, access to education, and the reintegration of former child soldiers. Ms. Lattouf has previously underscored the importance of developing Operating Guidelines for the national Child Helpline and Interim Care Centres to ensure consistent, survivor-centered responses for children in need.
The Vancouver Principles and Child Recruitment Prevention
The Vancouver Principles, adopted at the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial conference in Vancouver, Canada, commit signatory nations to preventing the use of child soldiers by government forces and armed groups, supporting the rehabilitation of former child soldiers, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. Somalia’s endorsement of these principles requires concrete action across multiple government ministries.
The Ministry of Defence, as the lead agency, is working to strengthen screening procedures at military recruitment centers. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is reviewing existing legislation to criminalize child recruitment with appropriate penalties. The Ministry of Education is developing programs to keep children in school, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports is creating alternative opportunities for young people in conflict-affected communities.
Way Forward
Permanent Secretary Yusuf Ali Mohamed concluded the meeting by directing the CAAC Working Group to develop a time-bound action plan for implementing the Vancouver Principles, with clear indicators for measuring progress. The Ministry will also work with international partners to strengthen community awareness programs, helping families and local leaders recognize the signs of child recruitment and report cases to authorities.
