The African Council of Religious Leaders- Religions for peace (ACRL-RfP), in collaboration with UNICEF ESARO and the Somalia Country Office, on 30th September 2025 convened Somali Muslim faith Leaders and Scholars, government representatives from the Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development and ministry of Justice, civil society and development partners for a high-level consultation on child protection and rights. Somalia continues to grapple with the devastating impact of female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage—practices that harm the dignity, health and future of countless children amidst the socio-economic and political challenges in the country.
Government representatives acknowledged these persistent challenges, pointing to weak enforcement of laws and the lack of a comprehensive framework criminalizing FGM and child marriage. Yet, there are rays of hope. A new national child helpline has been recently launched to provide immediate support for children while also generating vital data to guide policy and programming.
“Despite gaps and challenges, the government is mapping the needs of Somali children, including those with disabilities, to improve access to services,” Noted Ibraahim Aadan Ibraraahim, Director General at the Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs.
Faith leaders at the consultation spoke with clarity and conviction, dispelling misconceptions that harmful practices have a basis in Islam. “There is no religious foundation for FGM or early and forced marriage,” emphasized Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary General of ACRL-RfP. “Religion offers avenues to challenge these misconceptions, and Somali faith leaders, as guardians and trusted advisors, have an elevated role in ending harmful practices and giving our girls a brighter future.”
Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome, a Muslim Scholar & Islamic Law Expert echoed this, reminding participants that, “ Our girls are controlled by their brains and not their bodies, and therefore they should control their sexuality by giving them ‘Tarbia’, not mutilating their bodies, and we should teach them to fear Allah and marriage should come with maturity and consent, not force.”
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia in strengthening child protection systems, expanding access to education and health services, and aligning national efforts with regional and global frameworks. The consultation also presented ACRL-RfP’s five-year Regional Strategy and Action Plan to promote abandonment of harmful practices and violence against children, offering Somalia a clear framework to engage Muslim faith leaders and link its national work to continental commitments.
Beyond policy and law, the meeting underscored the urgent need to change deep-rooted social norms. Female participants spoke passionately about their role in this transformation.
“Women must empower young girls to understand why these practices are harmful and to know what they can do when faced with early marriage,” said Kaafiya. Another added simply but powerfully: “FGM is bringing no value to the girls and women.”
What emerged from the consultation was not just a list of recommendations but a renewed sense of shared responsibility. The government, faith leaders, UNICEF and civil society agreed to intensify collaboration, align national priorities and create inclusive spaces for children, women and youth to shape solutions. As Dr. Kuria put it, the task now is to “change the narrative, change behaviors, and end the pain of our girls so they can enjoy flourishing lives that find favor with the sacred, with Allah.”
The way forward will not be easy, but commitment in the meeting signals a turning point. With good will for policy reform, increased faith-based advocacy, community education, including door to door campaigns and youth engagement working hand-in-hand, Somalia has the potential to consign FGM and child marriage to history and open a new chapter where every child is protected, valued and free to thrive.
\Listen to this clip on Islam and Child Protection – Video