Somalia Submits Child Rights Charter Ratification to African Union

Somalia has submitted its ratification of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to the African Union, reinforcing its commitment to protecting children’s rights. The document was presented by Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi in Addis Ababa following prior government approvals. The move aligns Somalia with continental child welfare standards and builds on its earlier adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Somalia has formally submitted its instrument of ratification for the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to the African Union, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection systems and uphold the rights of children across the Horn of Africa nation. The move represents a key advancement in aligning Somalia’s legal and institutional frameworks with continental standards designed to safeguard the welfare, dignity, and development of children.
The submission was carried out by Somalia’s Minister of Family Affairs and Human Rights Development, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, who presented the ratification document on Tuesday at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. The ceremony underscored the Somali government’s renewed commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, and ensuring that their rights are fully respected and implemented in line with regional and international obligations.
The instrument of ratification was formally received by Moussa Mohamed Omar, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Cabinet of the African Union Commission Chairperson. The handover took place in the presence of Hajer Gueldich, the Legal Counsel of the African Union, reflecting the institutional importance of the process and the legal weight attached to the submission. With this step, Somalia moves closer to full compliance with one of Africa’s most important legal frameworks for child protection.
The ratification process follows a series of domestic approvals that demonstrate a coordinated effort across different arms of government. Somalia’s Federal Parliament approved the charter in September 2025, building on an earlier endorsement by the Council of Ministers in November 2024. These approvals indicate a growing political will within the country to prioritize child welfare and to embed international and regional child rights standards into national legislation and policy frameworks.
Speaking during the submission, Al-Makhzoumi described the moment as a significant and forward-looking achievement for Somalia. She emphasized that the ratification is not merely a procedural step but a clear signal of the government’s dedication to protecting children and promoting their well-being. According to her, the act of formally depositing the instrument with the African Union demonstrates Somalia’s determination to implement the provisions of the charter and to ensure that children’s rights are not only recognized but actively enforced. She further highlighted that the move reflects a broader vision of securing a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for the country’s younger population.
The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, originally adopted in 1990 by the Organisation of African Unity and entering into force in 1999, serves as the African Union’s primary legally binding instrument dedicated specifically to children’s rights. The charter addresses a wide range of issues affecting children across the continent, including education, health, protection from exploitation and abuse, and the rights of children in vulnerable situations such as conflict or displacement. By ratifying the charter, Somalia commits itself to implementing these standards and to reporting on progress made in improving the lives of children.
Somalia’s action also builds on earlier commitments at the global level. The country signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2015, signaling its intention to align with international norms on child protection. The latest ratification of the African Charter reinforces that commitment by integrating regional perspectives and priorities into the country’s legal framework. Together, these steps position Somalia to strengthen its child protection systems, improve accountability, and enhance cooperation with regional and international partners working to advance children’s rights.