Somalia and the United Nations have established a 2025 roadmap in Mogadishu aimed at preventing and addressing serious violations against children in conflict zones, enhancing accountability, coordination, and reintegration support. The two parties have formalized an agreement to shield children impacted by armed conflict and synchronize nationwide initiatives with obligations under international law.
The ‘2025 Implementation Guide’ was formalized in Mogadishu through signatures by Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia James Swan, and UNICEF Country Representative Sandra Latouff. The ceremony brought together government and UN representatives engaged in child protection and security sector coordination.
The UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) reports that the formalization of this guide advances national initiatives to prevent and address violations against children in conflict situations. These offenses encompass recruitment, fatalities, injuries, sexual violence, abductions, and assaults on educational and healthcare institutions.
UNTMIS indicated that the framework consolidates existing actions by Somali authorities while establishing priorities designed to direct implementation and coordination in the upcoming period.
The Mission noted that the guide functions as a strategic plan for governmental bodies, security forces, and partner organizations, offering guidance on prevention, response, reporting, and accountability. It also backs mechanisms for liberating children linked to armed groups and facilitating their reintegration into civilian life through specialized programs.
UNICEF issued a statement welcoming Somalia’s endorsement of the ‘2025 Roadmap to Strengthen the Protection of Children Affected by Armed Conflict.’ The organization highlighted that the agreement demonstrates dedication to terminating serious violations against children, enhancing accountability, and enabling processes that help children depart armed groups and reintegrate into their communities. ‘UNICEF welcomes the Federal Government of Somalia’s signing of the 2025 Roadmap to Strengthen the Protection of Children Affected by Armed Conflict, which marks a renewed commitment to end grave violations, strengthen accountability, and support children’s safe release and reintegration,’ UNICEF stated.
Participants in the process explained that the signing is part of ongoing institutional reforms in Somalia. These efforts include reinforcing accountability within security organizations and incorporating child protection into policies, training initiatives, and operational planning in regions experiencing instability.
They indicated that the framework is designed to coordinate efforts among ministries, security forces, and international partners involved in child protection. ‘The Roadmap consolidates the progress achieved and builds on priorities that have been identified through engagement with national institutions and international partners,’ UNTMIS explained.
The ‘2025 Implementation Guide’ builds upon Somalia’s recent actions to address violations against children, including establishing coordination mechanisms, implementing action plans, and collaborating with UN agencies on monitoring and reporting.
It further demonstrates Somalia’s declared aim to maintain collaboration with international partners to safeguard children’s rights and promote stability in communities impacted by conflict.
Officials stated that the framework prioritizes prevention through training and supervision, response through referral and assistance systems, and accountability through investigations and legal proceedings. It also acknowledges the necessity for services aiding children post-release, such as education, healthcare, and family reunification.
