Attachments
Introduction
The first half of 2025 has underscored the urgent and growing need for child protection interventions in Somalia, as children continue to bear the brunt of climatic shocks, conflict, and systemic vulnerabilities. Over half a million newly displaced persons were recorded, with 60% being children, exposing them to heightened risks of family separation, child labor, and forced marriage. Intensified clashes in Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions, along with the pervasive threat of explosive hazards, have further endangered children, leading to casualties, disrupted education, and psychological trauma.
Despite these challenges, the humanitarian community in the country has made strides in prioritizing child protection. Through evidence-based advocacy and strategic engagement, the Child Protection Area of Responsibility (CP AoR) successfully ensured the inclusion of specialized protection activities in the reprioritized 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP).
Key achievements also include strengthening case management systems by updating critical tools like the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Data Protection and Information Sharing Protocol (DPISP). The revised SOP have included procedures on managing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) against children as well as survivors of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). The CP AoR also managed to mobilize $530,000 from the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) for localized, lifesaving CP response to vulnerable children in Beledweyne and Dinsoor.
This bulletin highlights the multifaceted threats facing Somali children, the progress made in safeguarding their rights, and the critical gaps that demand immediate attention. It calls for sustained investment, integrated approaches, and amplified child participation to ensure their safety, dignity, and wellbeing.