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MOGADISHU — According to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), a new strategic global alliance titled the “Joining Forces Alliance (JFA)” was formally launched in Mogadishu, uniting four of the world’s leading child welfare organizations.
Dr. Maryam Qasim, Chairperson of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the Commission’s unwavering dedication to defending and advancing the rights of Somali children.
The new coalition, as reported by SONNA, brings together the combined expertise of World Vision International, Save the Children, SOS Somalia, and Plan International to streamline humanitarian and advocacy efforts.
Dr. Qasim asserted that safeguarding children’s rights is a shared responsibility, extending beyond specific agencies to include the government, parliament, educational institutions, and every Somali household.
The alliance aims to amplify children’s voices and push for policy and legislative reforms grounded in international child rights principles, ensuring a safe environment free from abuse and exploitation.
Ahmed Abdirahman Omar, Director of External Relations at World Vision Somalia, noted that the immense challenges facing Somali children necessitated a shift from independent action to collective coordination to maximize impact.
The launch comes at a critical juncture, with human rights reports verifying over 8,000 grave violations against children in recent years, including forced recruitment, abduction, and violence.
Furthermore, humanitarian agencies warned of a worsening nutrition crisis, with approximately 1.85 million children under five projected to face acute malnutrition in 2026 due to conflict, displacement, and climate change.
The Human Rights Commission Chairperson stressed the importance of translating the alliance’s principles into tangible field actions that move beyond rhetoric to directly improve the lives of vulnerable children.
The global alliance, which Somalia has officially joined, seeks to share evidence and expertise to influence public policy and ensure greater accountability for violations committed against the vulnerable.
Participants at the launch, including government officials and civil society representatives, expressed optimism that this partnership would build a robust national child protection system to counter displacement and insecurity.
This significant step, according to Somali sources, reflects a deep understanding that child protection is the fundamental pillar for social stability and building a sustainable future for Somalia.
The birth of this alliance in the heart of Mogadishu represents a beacon of hope and a global moral charter, proving that the world has not forgotten Somalia’s children and that the path to human dignity begins with securing child rights.
