Somalia, 1 October 2025 – Somalia’s House of the People has ratified today the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, a landmark step that officials say strengthens protections for Somali children and aligns the country with continental child rights standards.
The Bill received 130 votes in favor, 10 against, and 5 abstentions, and will now be forwarded to the Upper House for final approval before becoming law. The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development welcomed the outcome, describing it as a reflection of Somalia’s long-term commitment to upholding children’s rights.
Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, said the ratification was a significant milestone for Somalia’s young population.
“This Charter provides an opportunity for Somali children to benefit from stronger protections and greater opportunities for growth and development,” she said in a statement.
The Ministry also praised the leadership of Parliament and lawmakers who pushed the legislation forward, calling it a demonstration of national unity on child welfare.
It indicated that work will now focus on collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the Charter’s provisions are translated into p by ractical improvements in areas such as education, health, and child protection services.
The African Children’s Charter, adopted by the Organization of African Unity in 1990, sets legal standards for safeguarding the rights of children across the continent. With Somalia’s endorsement, 52 African Union member states have now ratified the Charter to date.
The Charter had previously been approved by the Council of Ministers on 25 November 2024, before moving to Parliament for today’s decisive vote.