Submitted by Denitsa on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
Somalia has signed, but not ratified the CRC, therefore the Convention does not form part of national legal system or have the force of law. The Provisional Constitution, which was adopted in 2012 by the transitional government, is expected to become the supreme law of Somalia. Due to the extended conflict in the country, judicial mechanisms are not fully functioning, making it difficult to litigate for violations of children’s rights. In the judicial system established under the Provisional Constitution, it appears that cases could be brought on behalf of children, including by NGOs, and children who might suffer an injustice are granted the right to receive free legal aid. The report also examines legal instruments from Somaliland and Puntland.
