UN removes Somalia from child soldier list after 16 years
For over 16 years, Somalia’s place on the list was tied to persistent reports of children being recruited or forced into armed groups. Human rights organisations repeatedly urged Somalia to enforce reforms and protect its vulnerable youth.
Somalia has been removed from the United Nations list of countries that recruit and use child soldiers, ending a 16-year designation that followed repeated reports of child recruitment by Somali forces and affiliated militias.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the government said the delisting affirms its commitment to child protection and constitutional and humanitarian obligations.
“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,” read the statement.
The government attributed the delisting to reforms under a national action plan aimed at stopping the use of children in armed conflict.
These include child protection training, updated military regulations, tighter recruitment procedures, and enhanced monitoring systems.
Somalia also credited its cooperation with international organisations such as UNICEF and the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), describing it as a key part of the progress made.
For over 16 years, Somalia’s place on the list was tied to persistent reports of children being recruited or forced into armed groups. Human rights organisations repeatedly urged Somalia to enforce reforms and protect its vulnerable youth.
The Ministry of Defence, which leads the national Child Protection Committee, said the delisting was the result of joint efforts by local institutions and global partners. It said the country had worked to align national policies with both legal responsibilities and international standards.
However, the ministry noted that challenges remain, especially in areas outside government control, where armed groups like al-Shabaab continue to recruit children.
While welcoming the delisting, the government acknowledged that Somalia still faces threats to child safety. It pledged to reinforce protection mechanisms at the community level and improve oversight of security operations.
Although Somalia is no longer on the UN list, it will still undergo regular reviews to monitor its compliance with child protection reforms.
“This milestone is a testament to Somalia’s reform journey and a step forward for the credibility of its armed forces,” the ministry said.
