MOGADISHU — Dr. Maryam Qasim, Chairperson of the National Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), today met with Somalia’s UNICEF Representative, Ms. Sandra Lattouf, to enhance collaboration between the Commission and UNICEF in advancing child welfare across the country.
The dialogue centered on promoting and protecting children’s rights, as well as improving national mechanisms for child welfare and safety.
Ms. Lattouf formally assumed her role as UNICEF Representative to Somalia in July 2025, presenting her credentials to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Isaak Mohamud Mursal. At that credential ceremony, both officials discussed ongoing joint efforts in child protection, education, health, and nutrition, with a particular focus on addressing systemic challenges such as child malnutrition, access to education, and the reintegration of former child soldiers.
Commitment to Child Protection Systems
Ms. Lattouf has previously underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen child protection systems nationwide. In August 2025, she stated that the development of Operating Guidelines for the national Child Helpline and Interim Care Centres would “ensure consistent, survivor-centered, and rights-based responses for children in need, while strengthening trust in national child protection services.”
In March 2026, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre welcomed Ms. Lattouf at his office in Mogadishu, where she reaffirmed UNICEF’s strong, unwavering commitment to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia. She outlined specific targets, including boosting child health and nationwide immunization campaigns, combating severe malnutrition, advancing inclusive education, and improving equitable access to clean water and sanitation services across the country.
NIHRC’s Broader Human Rights Mandate
The NIHRC, established to protect and promote human rights across the country, is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability, monitoring abuses, and giving voice to victims long silenced by conflict. Dr. Maryam Qasim was elected Chairperson of Somalia’s Independent Human Rights Commission in February 2026, bringing over forty years of expertise in public administration and social services to the role. She has previously held high-level portfolios, including Minister of Health, Minister of Education and Social Services, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Child Rights as a Priority
The Commission has consistently prioritized children’s rights as a core pillar of its mandate. In February 2026, Dr. Qasim delivered a keynote address at the official launch of the “Joining Forces Alliance (JFA),” a coalition bringing together Save the Children, SOS Somalia, and Plan International. During her speech, she underscored the Commission’s dedication to protecting and advancing children’s rights, stating that all children deserve care, protection, and equal opportunities as fundamental human rights.
Commitment to Concrete Action
Ms. Lattouf welcomed the discussions and emphasized UNICEF’s preparedness to assist national institutions in strengthening child protection measures and improving accountability.
In her concluding statements, Dr. Maryam Qasim restated the Commission’s dedication to ensuring child rights protection moves beyond policies and promises into concrete action.
The meeting between the NIHRC Chairperson and the UNICEF Representative builds on ongoing collaboration between the two institutions to advance child welfare and human rights in Somalia. UNICEF has been a key partner in delivering humanitarian and development assistance across the country, especially in areas affected by conflict, displacement, and recurrent climate shocks.
