Somalia Presents Ratification of African Child Rights Charter to AU

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ADDIS ABABA: Somalia’s Minister of Family Affairs and Human Rights Development on Tuesday presented the country’s instrument of ratification of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, signaling a step toward strengthening protections for children’s rights, although full confirmation of the ratification process remains pending.

The instrument was handed over to the African Union during a ceremony held at its headquarters in Addis Ababa. The event was presided over by Moussa Mohamed Omar and attended by Hajer Gueldich.

Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi said the move reflects Somalia’s commitment to advancing child welfare, meeting its regional and international obligations, and strengthening national systems to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.

Background

The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child was adopted in 1990 under the African Union framework and entered into force in 1999. It sets out comprehensive standards for the protection and development of children across Africa, including provisions on education, healthcare, and protection from abuse.

Somalia’s move aligns it with other African states that have committed to the Charter, though the effectiveness of implementation will depend on domestic legal and institutional follow-through.