The Federal Government of Somalia has been grappling with the devastating impact of prolonged armed conflict, which has significantly affected the rights and safety of children, particularly in relation to their involvement in hostilities. Numerous reports, including those from the United Nations and international human rights organizations, have documented the recruitment and use of children by armed actors, most notably the Al-Shabaab insurgency, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, the United States, and several other jurisdictions. These children are often subjected to forced recruitment, indoctrination, and use in combat roles, placing them at grave risk and exposing them to serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The Somali government has acknowledged the scale and urgency of this issue, recognizing that the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict not only violates international norms but also undermines the country’s long-term stability and social fabric. In response, Somalia has taken concrete steps to address the problem, including the signing of two Action Plans with the United Nations in 2012—one focused on ending the recruitment and use of children by the Somali National Army, and the other on preventing the killing and maiming of children during conflict. These action plans were developed in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1612 on children and armed conflict and mark an important step in fulfilling Somalia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

Since signing these commitments, Somalia has worked with UNICEF, UNMAS, AMISOM, and other protection actors to implement measures such as vetting security forces, establishing child protection units, and developing reintegration programs for children formerly associated with armed groups. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including insecurity, limited access to conflict-affected areas, and insufficient resources for rehabilitation services. The continued presence of non-state armed groups, including Al-Shabaab, remains a serious barrier to the full realization of child protection goals.