Situation Analysis of Children – A Call for Action to Realize the Rights of All Somali Children
NEW YORK (August 1, 2016) – UNICEF, together with the Federal Government of Somalia, donors and partners, today launched the Situation Analysis of Children in Somalia 2016.
The report consists of comprehensive data and analysis on the state of Somali children, as well as recommendations crucial to support UNICEF’s work of fulfilling the rights of all Somali children. It takes note of the positive trends in child survival and development, such as the declines in child mortality, maternal mortality and malaria; the increase in immunization coverage and birth registration; and the country’s success in containing the most recent polio outbreak. However, much remains to be done.
Among the challenges are 1 in 7 children dies before reaching their 5th birthday, and over 300,000 children under the age of five are acutely malnourished. Every three hours, a woman dies from pregnancy-related complications. More than half of children are out of school with girls’ participation considerably lower than that of boys. At 98 percent, Somalia has the highest rate of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the world.
“The future of most girls in Somalia can be described as very bleak. Our laws may give them rights and guarantee equality to a certain point, but in practice we all know that their rights are often violated, whether incidentally or systematically,” said Zahra Samatar, Minister of Women and Human Rights Development, Federal Government of Somalia. “As Somalia has now developed its first ever National Development Plan in 30 years, it is a clear opportunity for women and girls to be included in a more sustainable way in our development agenda.”
The report highlights equity and youth as another two focus areas crucial to the fulfilment of the rights of all Somali children. “To fully realize the rights of children we must reach the most vulnerable,” said Fartuun Adan, Executive Director of the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre. “They are the children from minority clans, rural and pastoralist communities and IDP camps.”
Fatima Ali, a youth activist, called for a youth agenda. “We can help build our country, but first we need education, training and a chance to do so,” she said. Just under half (45.6 percent) of Somalia’s population is less than 15 years old, and three-quarters (75 percent) is under 30.
“The Situation Analysis of Children in Somalia is commissioned by UNICEF, but with the support of a wide range of partners, including children and youth,” said Steven Lauwerier, UNICEF Representative. “As the Government and its development partners look at the next three years through the National Development Plan, we hope that this report will provide a guide to help not only UNICEF, but also the Government and all of our partners to make the right decisions - to invest in Somalia’s children, and to help them, including the most disadvantaged, to succeed in life.”
To view and download the report: http://www.unicef.org/somalia/resources_18507.htm
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org