Uniting for Change: How New Collaborative Efforts are Transforming Child Protection in Somalia

Understanding the urgent need for action

The urgency of the JFA’s mission cannot be overstated. Somalia is facing a devastating child protection crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict, widespread poverty, and harmful social norms. With nearly half of the population under the age of 18, children and young people are at the centre of a rapidly escalating crisis. From 2021 to 2024, over 8,400 verified grave violations against children were reported, including recruitment into armed groups, abduction, and sexual violence. Somalia ranks among the top five countries globally for these violations, necessitating immediate and collective action.

The challenges do not stop there. Gender-based violence remains endemic, particularly against girls, with almost universal Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) affecting about 99% of women and girls in Somalia. Furthermore, early marriage impacts approximately 34% of girls before they turn 18, exposing them to lifelong health risks and economic inequality. In addition, weak child protection systems hinder effective responses to these issues, with low birth registration rates and minimal social protection, with only around 11% coverage, leaving children particularly vulnerable.

In light of these challenges, the JFA aims to bridge the gap between policy and implementation, utilizing a critical window of opportunity to enhance advocacy for comprehensive child protection reforms in Somalia.

Zahra*, a local high school student, poses questions to the panel during the launch event, highlighting the important role of children in the JFA

Goals and strategic outcomes of the JFA

The JFA's strategic plan focuses on two main objectives that align with global priorities: realizing children’s rights through the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and significantly reducing violence against children. These objectives are encapsulated in the overarching mission of “Child Rights Now!” and “Ending Violence Against Children.”

1. Child Rights Now!: The JFA seeks to ensure that Somalia makes substantial progress in realizing children’s rights as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This involves aligning strategies with national development plans and increasing political commitment to child rights advocacy.
2. Ending Violence Against Children: Recognizing the alarming number of Somali children who experience violence annually, the JFA commits to implementing effective measures that address and reduce violence against children, particularly those who are most marginalized and at risk.

How the JFA will achieve its goals

The power of the JFA lies in its collaborative approach, which unites child protection partners, government ministries, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders around a common agenda. By fostering a coordinated national platform for advocacy, the JFA enhances collective influence over laws, policies, and accountability mechanisms pertaining to child protection and violence prevention.

Moreover, the JFA aims to align evidence and messaging to ensure that advocacy efforts are credible, consistent, and genuinely reflective of Somali realities and children’s lived experiences. As Somalia navigates ongoing governance and legal reforms, the JFA presents an opportune moment to embed child rights into vital national frameworks and budgets, ensuring that children's voices are heard and prioritized.

Dr. Maryam Qasim, Chairperson of Somalia’s Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRC), addresses the audience at the event, commending the efforts of the JFA initiative

Expected outcomes and collaborative framework

The Joining Forces Alliance operates with clear objectives but recognizes that achieving these outcomes requires collaboration with a diverse array of stakeholders. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) serves as the highest authority, playing a crucial role in setting national priorities and integrating child protection into development plans. Complementing this, line ministries act as core duty bearers, responsible for the laws and services impacting child welfare. Additionally, the parliament and its committees wield significant influence in shaping child protection legislation and ensuring accountability, making their collaboration essential. Local authorities are also vital, as they are on the front lines, implementing laws and policies related to child protection.

Equally important are civil society organizations and members of the Joining Forces Alliance, which provide extensive community reach and advocacy credibility. Faith leaders and local communities play a central role in addressing deeply rooted cultural practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. Moreover, the active participation of children themselves is critical for addressing their needs and rights authentically. Their insights and perspectives enrich the collaborative framework, ensuring that the initiatives undertaken genuinely reflect and respond to the experiences of children in the community.

Country Directors from Plan International, SOS Children’s Villages, World Vision, and Save the Children sign a collaborative agreement during the event launch

The launch of the Joining Forces Alliance in Somalia represents a transformative opportunity for advancing child rights and protection in the country. With a robust strategic plan in place and collaborative efforts from multiple stakeholders, there is hope for a future where all Somali children can thrive, free from violence and discrimination.

It’s not just about addressing immediate crises; it’s about building a sustainable framework for the long-term realization of children’s rights. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for Somalia's children.