Mogadishu, Somalia – The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Child Protection Area of Responsibility (CP AoR), has begun developing Operating Guidelines for the national Child Helpline and Interim Care Centres, a move officials say will strengthen child protection systems across the country.
The initiative is designed to complement existing case management procedures, ensuring that vulnerable children have timely access to quality protection services. According to ministry officials, the guidelines will provide a standardized framework for service delivery, clarify institutional roles, and establish accountability measures for agencies involved in child protection.
“These guidelines are a major step forward in making child protection services more accessible and effective,” a ministry spokesperson said, noting that Somalia faces rising challenges related to child abuse, neglect, family separation, and recruitment of children by armed groups.
The Child Helpline, once fully operational, will serve as a nationwide confidential reporting and referral mechanism, connecting children and families in distress to trained professionals who can provide immediate guidance and follow-up support. Interim Care Centres, on the other hand, will offer safe temporary accommodation and psychosocial assistance to children awaiting family reunification, foster placement, or long-term solutions.
UNICEF’s Somalia Representative, Sandra Lattouf, underscored the importance of the collaboration, stating that the guidelines would “ensure consistent, survivor-centered, and rights-based responses for children in need, while strengthening trust in national child protection services.”
The development of the guidelines comes at a critical time, as humanitarian partners warn of an increased risk of child exploitation and abuse amid ongoing displacement, conflict, and climate-induced crises. The ministry emphasized that the process will be consultative, involving civil society, child protection experts, and community representatives to guarantee the framework reflects Somalia’s context and priorities.
Once finalized, the guidelines are expected to be rolled out nationwide, accompanied by capacity-building for frontline workers and awareness campaigns to encourage children and families to seek help when needed.
Officials say the move aligns with Somalia’s broader commitment to upholding child rights under international conventions, while building stronger systems to safeguard its most vulnerable citizens.
