Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Federal Parliament on Monday conducted the first reading of two significant legal instruments: the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the International Judicial Cooperation Bill.
The session, chaired by Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, was attended by 146 Members of Parliament.
During the session, Minister of Family Affairs and Human Rights, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moallim, briefed lawmakers on the core principles and implications of both legislative items.
They emphasized the importance of aligning Somalia’s legal framework with international standards to enhance child protection and strengthen cross-border legal cooperation.
Speaker Madobe urged the MPs to prepare for the second reading of both documents, scheduled for today, underscoring the Parliament’s commitment to advancing human rights and judicial reforms.
If adopted, the African Charter would mark a critical step forward in safeguarding the rights of Somali children, while the International Judicial Cooperation Bill is expected to improve the country’s ability to handle transnational crimes and legal matters in collaboration with other nations.