The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is dedicated to promoting the welfare and protection of children in conflict situations by enhancing the capacity of its police personnel.
30 officers from the Nigeria Formed Police Unit completed a five-day training programme focused on the protection and promotion of the welfare of children in conflict situations. The knowledge and skills acquired will be passed on to their Somali counterparts.
“We are here to protect civilians, especially women and children. We have specific guidelines when it comes to protecting children in armed conflict areas,” emphasized Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Head of ATMIS.
The training, organized by the ATMIS Protection, Human Rights, Gender (PHRG) division, supports the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in safeguarding and advancing the rights and welfare of children.
“The training emphasizes the importance of capacity building as a valuable tool for effectively promoting and protecting children’s rights in Somalia,” said Dr. Omar Alasow, the ATMIS Ag. Head of Protection, Human Rights and Gender (PHRG), at the closing of the training.
“The training will greatly help me to effectively execute my duties in mentoring my counterparts from the Somali Police Force to ensure the rights and welfare of children are protected especially during this transition period,” said Elizabeth Yakubu Amay, one of the participants at the training.
Her remarks were echoed by Abdullahi Diwa, who disclosed that they participated in extensive modules all on the protection and welfare of children.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).