Somalia and the UN Sign 2025 Roadmap to Protect Children Affected by Armed Conflict

Somalia and the UN Sign 2025 Roadmap to Protect Children Affected by Armed Conflict

The Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations have taken a significant step toward safeguarding children affected by armed conflict with the official signing of the 2025 Implementation Guide, a strategic framework designed to strengthen child protection and accountability.

The agreement was formalized on Wednesday in Mogadishu by Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, alongside the UN Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, and UNICEF Representative Sandra Latouff. The roadmap outlines concrete measures aimed at preventing grave violations against children, improving accountability within security institutions, and supporting the safe release and reintegration of children affected by conflict.

In a statement shared on social media, UNICEF welcomed the signing, describing it as a renewed commitment by the Somali government to end serious violations against children and to ensure their protection and long-term well-being. The organization emphasized that the roadmap represents a critical step toward strengthening systems that safeguard children in conflict-affected communities.

The United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) also hailed the agreement as a key milestone, noting that it consolidates progress made in recent years while setting renewed priorities for child protection efforts. According to the mission, the roadmap builds on existing achievements and provides a clearer operational framework for coordinated action.

Beyond its humanitarian importance, the 2025 Implementation Guide reflects Somalia’s broader institutional reform agenda. It aims to enhance accountability within security agencies while placing the safety and rights of children at the center of national security and governance efforts.

The signing ceremony was attended by members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), including senior officials from the Ministries of Defense, Internal Security, Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and Family and Human Rights Development. Their presence underscored the government’s cross-sector commitment to protecting children and working closely with international partners to secure a safer future for Somalia’s youth.