Somalia, UN and UNICEF Discuss Strengthening Child Protection in Armed Conflict

Mogadishu (SONNA) – The Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, today met with George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Humanitarian Coordinator, and UNICEF Representative to Somalia Sandra Lattouf.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Defence, the United Nations and UNICEF to protect children affected by armed conflict, as part of efforts to implement Somalia’s National Policy on the Protection of Civilians.

The sides also discussed establishing a coordinated mechanism for reporting, documenting and monitoring allegations of violations, while ensuring that the Somali Government’s responses and concrete measures are accurately reflected in relevant United Nations reports. They further discussed accelerating the implementation of the National Action Plan on Children and Armed Conflict.

Minister Fiqi highlighted the progress made by the Somali National Army in protecting civilians, particularly children, noting that the armed forces operate in accordance with national policies and relevant international obligations on civilian protection.

Minister Fiqi thanked the United Nations and UNICEF for their continued cooperation and support to Somalia and reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to strengthening coordination with relevant institutions to further protect children and civilians affected by armed conflict.