Street Children in Somaliland: Addressing Social Policy Gaps and Solutions

The problem of street children in Somaliland is a manifestation of complex socio-economic, cultural, and systemic challenges that contribute to the marginalization of these vulnerable youths. This paper tries to explore the factors that drive children to the streets, such as poverty, family disintegration, and the lack of access to educational opportunities. Demographically, street children in Somaliland are predominantly male, although girls face greater risks of exploitation. The paper emphasizes the severe health and psychological risks these children endure, compounded by societal stigma that views them as delinquents rather than victims. It also discusses the national and international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and their applicability to the situation of addressing the plight of street children. Somaliland has made some progress in creating child protection laws, but challenges persist in terms of resources and cultural attitudes. The paper makes a call for action in this regard with a multifaceted approach, involving family counseling, parent education, and community engagement, which can address the root causes and provide sustainable solutions. Such collaborations between government agencies, NGOs, and international partners are vital to improving the well-being of street children and facilitating their reintegration into society.