Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Parliament of Somalia has officially ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, becoming the 52nd African Union member state to endorse the treaty — but not without sharp internal divisions.
During Wednesday’s parliamentary session in Mogadishu, lawmakers were split between religious concerns and human rights priorities. Opposing members argued that portions of the charter allegedly conflict with Islamic values, particularly provisions related to adoption practices and interpretations of children’s autonomy. Some MPs warned that ratifying the treaty without clear reservations could open the door to “foreign cultural impositions.”
Supporters of the ratification countered that the charter is vital to safeguarding Somali children from abuse, child marriage, neglect, and recruitment into armed groups. They emphasized that Somalia — one of the last African countries to endorse the framework — must align with continental child protection standards if it is to be seen as a responsible and rights-respecting nation.
Despite objections, the motion passed, placing Somalia alongside 51 other African countries that have ratified the charter. Only Morocco, South Sudan, and Tunisia have yet to endorse it.
The government is now expected to develop legal and institutional frameworks to harmonize domestic laws with the treaty’s provisions. Child rights advocates hailed the decision as long overdue but cautioned that ratification must be followed by real implementation in schools, courts, and communities.
For Somalia — a nation where millions of children face the risks of displacement, malnutrition, and exploitation — the vote marks a significant symbolic step. Whether it becomes a transformative one will depend on what follows inside classrooms, mosques, and ministries across the country.