Mogadishu, 29th November 2023 – The Somali Peace Line, a leading organization dedicated to promoting peace , HUMAN RIGHTS and peace building in Somalia, organized a consultation meeting focusing on significant laws concerning the care and safety of children. The meeting, held in Mogadishu, brought together various sub-committees of the Federal Parliament of Somalia and key stakeholders involved in child welfare and protection initiatives.
The meeting, which took place at Afrik Hotel , served as a platform for in-depth discussions and collaboration among policymakers, experts, and advocates to address the pressing issues related to child welfare and protection in Somalia.
Ahmed Dini Hassan, the director of Somali Peace Line officially opened the meeting, extending a warm welcome to all participants. In his opening remarks, Mr. Hassan emphasized the significance of enacting robust legislation to ensure the protection and welfare of Somali children.
Ubaid Hersi a prominent figure in child rights advocacy, addressed at the event emphasized the need for a holistic approach that takes into account the unique challenges faced by Somali children. He stressed the importance of addressing issues such as child labor, child marriage, access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence and exploitation.
Mohamed Abdi, the Program Manager of Somali Peace Line, underscored the importance of developing robust laws that address the complex challenges faced by children in Somalia. He emphasized that comprehensive legislation is crucial for providing a strong legal framework that protects children from various forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
During the session, participants delved into key instruments such as the Conventions on the Rights of the Child (CRC), protocols related to the CRC, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. Africa Charter on Children’s Rights, the Arab Charter on Human Rights, and various Arab League initiatives related to child welfare and protection.
The meeting fostered engaging discussions and information sharing among the participants. Policymakers, experts, and advocates exchanged ideas, experiences, and perspectives on the relevance and applicability of international and regional laws to the Somali context. Challenges and opportunities concerning child welfare and protection were addressed, leading to a collaborative and constructive environment.
Members of Parliament attended the consultation meeting on child rights, expressed their gratitude to the SPL for convening such a crucial gathering. They reiterated their commitment to expediting discussions related to the child rights bill currently under consideration in Parliament and pledged to create space for civil society to actively participate in the discussion process.
The consultation meeting organized by the Somali Peace Line served as a vital platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and collective effort in advancing child welfare and protection in Somalia. The insights gained and the recommendations made during the meeting will contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop robust and effective laws for the care and safety of Somali children.
