The Human Rights Centre Somaliland has called on Somalilanders and the wider public to support a new initiative aimed at giving children in the conflict-affected regions of Sool and Sanaag a voice in peacebuilding efforts.

In an email circulated to its mailing list, the Centre urged individuals to contribute to the initiative, which seeks to empower children in these regions to participate in efforts promoting peace and stability. Below is the statement issued by the Centre.

Children in the conflict-affected regions of Sool and Sanaag have grown up amid violence, displacement, and uncertainty. Many of them have witnessed war, lost loved ones, or been forced to flee their homes. Yet their experiences, fears, and hopes are rarely heard. Globally, millions of children live in conflict zones, and those in areas linked to non-recognised states are particularly vulnerable because they often fall outside effective international protection. The CHILD-PEACE research project, led by Dr Marieke Hopman and Guleid Jama, seeks to change this by studying how children in places like Sool and Sanaag can heal from conflict and actively contribute to building sustainable peace in their communities.

The Human Rights Centre Somaliland encourages you to support this vital initiative by donating or sharing the campaign link with your networks. Your backing will enable researchers to collaborate with local partners to listen to children’s experiences, foster their participation in peacebuilding, and create practical solutions that ensure their voices are heard in recovery and justice processes. Even a small donation or sharing the link can help raise awareness and garner support for children in Sool and Sanaag, who deserve a future of peace and dignity.

Here is the link.

Mohamed Barud Ali, Chairperson of the Somaliland National Human Rights Commission and an ambassador supporting the campaign, stated:

"Around the world, millions of children grow up under the shadow of conflict and are too often excluded from peace processes. By supporting this project, we make it possible to move beyond silence and contribute to important research, engagement with local communities, and the development of practical ways for children in Somaliland and elsewhere to participate safely and meaningfully in peacebuilding. When children are given space to understand what has happened to them and to speak up, the outcome is not only healing — it is empowerment, resilience, and a stronger foundation for lasting peace within their societies.”