By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Federal Government and the United Nations have formally signed an implementation guide for the 2025 Road Map aimed at strengthening the protection of children affected by armed conflict, officials announced on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed in Mogadishu by Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, and UNICEF’s Representative in Somalia, Sandra Latouff.
Officials described the move as a significant milestone in Somalia’s ongoing national reform efforts, particularly in improving accountability within security institutions and ensuring greater compliance with international standards on child protection during armed conflict.
The implementation guide sets out practical measures to enforce commitments made under the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) framework. These include preventing grave violations against children such as recruitment and use in hostilities, killing, maiming, and other serious abuses linked to conflict.
Somali authorities said the agreement builds on progress made in recent years and reflects the government’s determination to meet its international obligations. It also signals renewed commitment to working closely with international partners to prevent violations, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and promote long-term stability.
“The Road Map demonstrates Somalia’s resolve to protect its most vulnerable citizens and ensure that security forces uphold the highest standards of conduct,” officials said during the signing ceremony.
The event was attended by members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Children and Armed Conflict, drawn from the ministries of Defence, Internal Security, Justice and Constitutional Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development. Their participation highlighted the need for a coordinated, cross-government approach to child protection.
Participants stressed that effective implementation of the Road Map would play a crucial role in reducing the impact of armed conflict on Somali children and help lay the foundations for a more peaceful and sustainable future.
Somalia has worked with the United Nations for years to address child protection concerns amid ongoing insecurity. International partners say continued cooperation and accountability will be critical to achieving lasting improvements on the ground.
