Network Against FG/C in Somaliland (NAFIS) is in solidarity with all other Child Rights CSOs, stakeholders, and policymakers in Somaliland who have worked tirelessly since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 to express immeasurable appreciation to Somaliland Cabinet’s 53rd meeting on the 23rd of January 2020; for the Child Rights Act approval.
It will go down in history for Somaliland ratifying the international human rights treaty. Therefore internationally, it becomes the new country on the list of 195 countries that have a domesticated Convention on the Rights of the Children (CRC) through an act.
More and sincere thanks go to the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs, and Family under the able leadership of the Minister Mrs.Hinda Jama Gaani and the director-General Mr.Abdirashid Ibrahim and other officials of the Ministry made frantic efforts to have this act approved.
The journey for the child rights act realization up to 2020 was not easy. It has taken concerted efforts that brought all stakeholders on the table and a lot of advocacy and lobbying, which legitimized the partnerships of local civil society and international organizations. All these stakeholders deserve a thunderous applause worth recognition.
NAFIS Network has contributed to buy in relentlessly for Child Rights through anti-FGM/C campaigns in Somaliland.This is where girl child’s rights have been abused in the name of upholding FGM/C practices as traditional and religious norms.
It is too early to celebrate as this act requires overwhelming support and legislation of the parliament into law. Therefore, we vehemently call upon all stakeholders and, more so, the parliament of goodwill to fast track the process for Somaliland child to have his/her rights protected and respected.
In conclusion, once we go through up to enactment, then implementation by institutions vested with responsibilities as well as CSOs and other stakeholders will be a task that requires resilience and forward ever, backward never spirit.
This act will make Somaliland a child-friendly country. Again thanks for the memorable work by the cabinet with the exemplary leadership of His excellence, Mouse Bixi Abdi.
Thanks to all.