Mogadishu, Somalia – The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development has introduced a National Child Helpline Centre to manage the toll-free emergency line 166, which officials describe as Africa’s busiest child-support hotline.
The Minister of Planning and Human Rights Development, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, opened the facility in Mogadishu with senior ministry officials, including State Minister Mohamed Osman Nastaro and Deputy Minister Maryan Ali Abukar.
The center offers prompt and confidential support to children encountering abuse, neglect, or other threats, staffed by recently trained child-protection specialists. Speaking to the staff, Al-Makhzoumi stressed maintaining the utmost professionalism and underscored their national duty to protect vulnerable children.
This effort forms part of larger government initiatives to reinforce Somalia’s child-protection framework and aligns with the 10th anniversary of the country’s adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The ministry indicates that the 166 helpline acts as a swift-response system, delivering crisis assistance, counseling, and referrals to suitable services.
Officials stated that the center’s launch underscores Somalia’s ongoing commitment to advancing child welfare and extending protection services nationwide.