Somalia delisted from child soldiers recruitment countries

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The federal government of Somalia has been delisted from countries that are notorious for the recruitment of child soldiers, an act which is prohibited by the United Nations (UN) through various legal frameworks, charters, and commitments.

Several countries have been slammed for engagement in the recruitment of child soldiers in armed conflicts, but Somalia has managed to effectively denounce this habit, which is rampant in several parts of Africa.

The decision, made public by the United Nations on June 17, follows years of collaboration between the Federal Government of Somalia and international partners, including UNICEF and the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).

For years, the country has struggled to implement the Somalia National Action Plan on the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict, an idea which has successfully been adopted into the transitional constitution, which is yet to be fully adopted.

“This is a historic achievement for the Somali people and security forces,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. “It reflects our strong commitment to protect vulnerable children and build a professional, accountable national army.”

Previously, the Somali National Army had been accused of the recruitment of children during conflicts, but the latest actions by the United Nations are an indication that the habit is slowly fading as constitutionalism and order take precedent in the country.

As chair of the National Committee on the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict, the Ministry praised the role of committee members and UN agencies in strengthening child protection mechanisms and enforcing safeguards in military recruitment and training.

Recently, the Al-Shabaab militants were accused of recruiting children following a viral video of child soldiers during the Eid al-Adha celebrations. The militants paraded several children who were reportedly recruits on various frontlines.

GAROWE ONLINE