Children in Somalia have continued to bear the brunt of conflict and endured alarming levels of grave violations despite tangible efforts by the Federal Government of Somalia, as revealed in a new Secretary-General report on the situation of children in the country.

Between October 2021 and September 2024, a total of 8,493 grave violations against 6,801 children were verified. Al-Shabaab remained the primary security threat and perpetrated the majority of grave violations against children. At least 1,481 children experienced multiple violations, including abduction for recruitment purposes, rape, and maiming. Recruitment and use, abduction, and killing and maiming constituted the most verified violations, representing 89% of all confirmed grave violations.

“No child should endure the suffering that children in Somalia have to bear,” stated the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Fraizer. “Children in Somalia require protection, safety, and the opportunity to live as children. I urge all parties to end, prevent, and address grave violations against children and fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” she added.

Recruitment and use affected 2,821 children, remaining one of the most widespread violations. Abductions followed closely, with 2,566 children impacted. At least 2,143 children were killed or maimed, with many of these violations attributed to unidentified perpetrators, including mortar shelling and improvised explosive devices, which continued to be the primary causes of child casualties.

Sexual violence against children remained alarmingly prevalent with 762 incidents, though this figure is likely higher as survivors encounter significant reporting challenges due to protection concerns, fear of stigma, and the private nature of the violation. Impunity continued, with the United Nations having limited information on justice authorities’ follow-up actions. Little progress was made toward ending and preventing sexual violence against children in conflict situations.

At least 145 attacks on schools and hospitals and 66 incidents of denial of humanitarian access were verified. Insecurity and access difficulties in conflict-affected areas substantially hampered the verification of grave violations against children.

A total of 797 children were detained for alleged association with armed groups, and the SRSG expressed her distress that the death penalty has been applied to children and young people arrested as minors.

“Children should be regarded primarily as victims, with reintegration prioritized in their best interest,” stated Vanessa Frazier. She welcomed the collaboration between the United Nations and military courts to identify and transfer children to civilian authorities.

She further called upon the international community to increase financial and technical investments in child protection in Somalia, including comprehensive reintegration programs for children formerly associated with armed forces and groups, and survivor-centered, age-appropriate, and gender-sensitive support services.

Progress in Response to Grave Violations Against Children
The Federal Government made significant efforts to end and prevent grave violations against children with United Nations support, particularly regarding the recruitment and use of children, which resulted in the Secretary-General’s decision in his 2025 Annual Report on children and armed conflict to remove the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force from the list for recruiting children.

Progress was also made in advancing the 2019 roadmap to strengthen child protection in armed conflict and accelerate implementation of the two 2012 action plans on killing and maiming and recruitment and use of children. The Somali security forces continued conducting age screening exercises and implementing the 2014 Standard Operating Procedure for receiving and transferring children separated from armed groups. On March 31, 2024, the 2012 Provisional Constitution was enacted, maintaining the definition of a child as a person under 18 years of age. On December 2, 2024, the Disability Rights Protection Law was signed, prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities, including children.

Advancements occurred in other key areas, including economic and financial reforms, completion of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, and accession to the East African Community.

“Children in Somalia require our full attention and support, and they deserve to enjoy their full rights,” stated Vanessa Frazier. “The UN remains ready to support authorities so that progress benefits all children affected by the conflict,” she added.

Facts for reporting period (October 2021–September 2024)
8,493 grave violations against 6,801 children (5,142 boys, 1,659 girls)
Recruitment and use: 2,821 children (2,624 boys, 197 girls), 82% by Al-Shabab
Killing and maiming: 2,143 children (1,576 boys, 567 girls)
Rape and other forms of sexual violence: 762 children (4 boys, 758 girls)
Abduction: 2,556 children (2,232 boys, 324 girls)
Attacks on schools and hospitals: 145 attacks (117 schools, 28 hospitals)
Denial of humanitarian access: 66 verified incidents