Mogadishu, Somalia (Dawan Africa) - Somalia has officially been removed from the United Nations (UN) list of countries that use child soldiers on Sunday. For many years, the country had ranked near the top of this list, but reforms and efforts have now led to this milestone achievement Somali Government says.
The Ministry of Defence of Somalia announced the news, confirming that the country’s removal from the list is the result of years of hard work aimed at combating the recruitment of child soldiers, particularly within the Somali military. This success has been attributed to various reforms in military practices, in collaboration with both domestic and international partners.
The Ministry of Defence expressed its pride in the progress made. The United Nations’ annual report, dated June 17–18, officially confirmed Somalia’s removal, citing substantial advancements in eliminating the use of children in its armed forces.
The Ministry also emphasized the critical role played by cooperation between Somalia and international organizations, including UNICEF and the United Nations Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (UNMTRS). These partnerships have been instrumental in implementing essential reforms, raising awareness, and addressing the root causes of child soldier recruitment.
Historically, Somalia had been one of the countries where children were often recruited or used in armed conflict, especially after the collapse of the central government in the early 1990s. However, this breakthrough reflects a broader effort to change the narrative around child recruitment. In 2023 alone, the United Nations confirmed that 8,655 children were used in combat worldwide, with the highest numbers recorded in conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Syria, Mali, and Nigeria.
Somalia’s removal from the UN list is a momentous achievement for the country and underscores its ongoing commitment to reform, human rights, and the protection of children. This progress demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation and the dedication of the Somali government to safeguard the future of its youth.
