U.S. May Soon Stand Alone for Failing to Ratify U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child

U.S. May Soon Stand Alone for Failing to Ratify U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child

Twenty-five years after ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Somalia and the South Sudan are taking steps to join 193 other countries around the world that have ratified the treaty. This is important news for children, as it provides a framework for nations -- even oppressive ones -- to at least acknowledge and recognize that children have special needs and should be provided the opportunity to, as UNICEF says, "develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse."

Study Finds Children's Protection Programs Underfunded

Study Finds Children's Protection Programs Underfunded

A study by a coalition of U.N. and private aid agencies finds protection programs for children caught in conflict and natural disasters are, after education, the most under-funded operations. The study, commissioned by the Global Protection Cluster’s Child Protection Working Group, says lack of protection programs has devastating consequences for refugee and displaced children.

Aid Workers Say Child Soldiers Involved in Escalating Somali Violence

Aid Workers Say Child Soldiers Involved in Escalating Somali Violence

Aid workers and observers in Somalia say an increasing number of child soldiers are being used by factions involved in the escalating violence in the country. They say most of the children are recruited or abducted by the militant Islamic group al-Shabab and suffer horrendous experiences on the battlefield.

Human Trafficking 101

Human Trafficking 101

By SomaliCan — A group of 29 Somali-Americans were recently indicted of criminal charges related to sex trafficking in three states: Minnesota , Ohio and Tennessee . Since the indictments were disclosed by the U.S. Attorney’s office, many concerned people, including Somali Americans, have contacted SomaliCAN with questions about the human trafficking problem. How prevalent is this problem in our world? Is it confined to the Somali community? What motivates people to engage in such kinds of monstrous acts? What is the role of religion in this? Are the victims happily involved in this? If not, why do they never report the traffickers to law enforcement?

Somalia's gov't orders probe into child soldiers

Somalia's gov't orders probe into child soldiers

Somalia's president has ordered an investigation into reports that the Somali army is recruiting children in its fight against powerful Islamic insurgents, a decision welcomed by rights groups on Thursday.

Jail for woman who killed unborn twins to avoid social services

Jail for woman who killed unborn twins to avoid social services

A woman who killed her unborn twins after injecting herself with drugs to induce their birth was finally jailed today after going on the run.