UN delists Somalia from child soldier report after 16 years in major reform milestone
The delisting comes after the Somali government implemented a national action plan aimed at ending the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
The United Nations has officially removed Somalia from its annual list of countries that recruit and use child soldiers—a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to meet international child protection standards.
This brings an end to Somalia’s long-standing presence on the UN’s child soldier blacklist.
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Somalia had been on the list since 2007, following persistent reports of child recruitment by Somali security forces and allied militias.
The delisting follows the Somali government’s implementation of a national action plan to stop the use of children in armed conflict.
In a statement released by the Somali Ministry of Defence, the government emphasised its commitment to protecting children.
“The removal from the UN list reaffirms Somalia’s dedication to upholding the constitution and international humanitarian law. The Somali child is not a soldier; they are the future of this nation,” the statement said.
The ministry credited the delisting to a series of reforms, including child protection training, updated military regulations, stricter recruitment standards, and enhanced monitoring systems.
Cooperation
It credited its cooperation with international organisations such as UNICEF and the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) as a key factor in the progress made.
Somalia’s inclusion on the UN list for over 16 years was linked to consistent reports of children being forced or recruited into armed groups. Human rights organisations had called for reforms, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable youth.
The government’s action plan and the recent reforms addressed many of these concerns.
As the lead agency on the national Child Protection Committee, the Ministry of Defence acknowledged the efforts of both domestic institutions and international partners.
It noted that the achievement was the result of a collective push to implement national policies that respect both Somalia’s legal obligations and global standards.
The Somali government acknowledged ongoing challenges, noting that armed groups like al-Shabaab continue to recruit children in areas beyond its control.
The Ministry of Defence said that while the delisting is an important step, Somalia still faces threats to child safety.
The government has pledged to strengthen protection mechanisms at the community level and to improve its oversight of security operations.
Somalia’s removal from the list does not end international oversight, as the country will continue to undergo regular UN assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with child protection reforms.
The Somali government said it is committed to preserving the progress already made and to preventing any future violations.
“This milestone is a testament to Somalia’s reform journey and a step forward for the credibility of its armed forces,” read the statement by the ministry.
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