In a landmark achievement for child protection and military reform, the United Nations has officially removed Somalia from the UN List of Shame.
This list includes countries involved in the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
Why was Somalia Removed from the UN List of Shame?
This historic decision follows years of dedicated reforms, international cooperation, and national efforts to safeguard children from armed conflict.
Somalia had been listed since 2007 due to reports of underage recruitment by government-aligned militias and security forces.
The removal, announced on June 17, 2025, comes after the implementation of a robust national action plan and key reforms including revised military codes, recruitment screening, and specialized child protection training across the armed forces.
The Somali child is not a soldier—they are the future of this nation.”
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that Somalia’s exit from the UN List of Shame reaffirms its commitment to international humanitarian law and its constitutional mandate to protect children.
“The Somali child is not a soldier—they are the future of this nation,” the ministry declared.
The milestone was made possible through close collaboration with the United Nations, UNICEF, and the UN Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTSOM).
Alongside the efforts of Somalia’s Child Protection Committee.
Al-Shabaab Threat
Authorities also recognized the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabaab, which continues to forcibly recruit minors in areas under its control.
Somalia will continue to undergo UN monitoring to ensure long-term compliance.
Officials reaffirmed their resolve to uphold reforms and prevent future violations, calling this step a “powerful message” of Somalia’s transformation and the credibility of its security institutions.
Other Countries on the UN List of Shame?
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic (CAR)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Iran
- Libya
- Mali
- Russia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Türkiye
- Venezuela
- Yemen
