Defense Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Chairs Key Meeting on Child Protection and Preventing Youth Exploitation in Conflict

The meeting aimed to accelerate the implementation of the Vancouver Principles, an international framework designed to enhance measures for preventing the recruitment and exploitation of children during armed conflicts. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between government institutions and international partners, particularly Save the Children, to advance policies and programmes aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of Somali children. The meeting was attended by members of the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) Working Group, including representatives from the Ministry of Internal Security, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.