Somalia Urges Legal Reforms to Protect Children at Africa Forum

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MASERU: Somalia called for stronger legal protections for children at a regional forum in Lesotho, urging ratification of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child as part of efforts to align national laws with continental standards.

A delegation led by Deputy Minister of Family and Human Rights Development Maryan Ali Abuukar made the appeal during the 47th session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

In a keynote address, Abuukar said adopting the charter would help reinforce legal and institutional frameworks needed to safeguard children’s welfare and advance protection policies in Somalia.

On the sidelines of the meeting, she held talks with officials and stakeholders on boosting cooperation and securing support for child welfare programmes and long-term development initiatives.

Somalia’s participation reflects growing engagement with regional bodies as the government works to strengthen social protections following years of conflict, climate shocks and displacement that have left children among the most vulnerable.

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child monitors implementation of child rights standards across the continent and advises governments on policy and legal reforms.