On 1 October 2025, the Federal Parliament of Somalia passed the Draft Bill for the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, marking an important step toward strengthening child protection and ensuring equal rights for Somali children in line with continental standards. This milestone reflects the government’s growing commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing, dignity, and safety of children across the country.
The Somali Disability Network (SDN) acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of both the Federal Government and the Parliament for advancing this essential legislation. By adopting the African Charter, Somalia aligns itself with broader African frameworks that guarantee children’s rights to education, healthcare, protection from harm, and equal opportunities rights that are fundamental for every child across the continent.
This bill is especially critical in Somalia’s post-conflict context, where safety systems, child protection mechanisms, and social services remain weak and overstretched. Many children continue to face insecurity, lack of access to basic services, and limited safeguarding structures. The new bill provides a strong foundation for improving access to essential services, strengthening legal protections, and expanding livelihood and development opportunities for all children.
Importantly, the Charter also reinforces the rights of children with disabilities, ensuring they receive equal protection, tailored support, and meaningful inclusion in all national programs and services. SDN emphasizes that the implementation phase must prioritize inclusive approaches so that children with disabilities are not left behind in policy, planning, or service delivery. Effective implementation of the Charter’s articles will require collaboration between government institutions, civil society, and specialized organizations.
SDN extends its appreciation to the Cabinet, the Ministry of Family and Human Rights, and the Members of Parliament for their dedication to advancing children’s rights in Somalia. We encourage these institutions to ensure that the implementation of the Charter remains inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the diverse needs of all Somali children particularly those with disabilities. This legislation is a positive and promising step toward building a safer, more equitable future for every child in Somalia.
