Jowhar, 29 November 2024 – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has completed a week-long training for Somali Police Force (SPF) officers, focusing on protecting and promoting children’s rights and welfare.
The course, organised by ATMIS Police Training and Development Department at Jowhar Airfield in Sector Five, equipped Hirshabelle State officers with skills to protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
“The training was a success, with dedicated trainees gaining insights and skills needed to protect children in armed conflict situations because the interest of the child is always paramount,” said ATMIS Police Lead Trainer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Earnest Agbo.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding children from violence and the need for training Somali police officers in child protection to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
“Hirshabelle police officers were trained to effectively engage with children and connect them with appropriate services whenever necessary,” added ASP Agbo.
The training covered a range of topics, including investigative procedures, the roles of various stakeholders, children’s rights, legal standards, and international and national frameworks for child protection.
Lt. Ahmed Abdulle Madoobe, the Deputy Commander of Jowhar Airfield Police Station, said the training will improve officers’ ability to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.
“I thank ATMIS and Hirshabelle officials for organising this critical training. The officers who attended gained invaluable knowledge that will improve their capacity to protect children and combat crimes against them,” said Madoobe.
ATMIS Training Coordinator, Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmanuel Audu, stressed the importance of training in safeguarding children’s rights in Somalia.
“Children face constant threats of exploitation, abuse and violence. To address this, the SPF officers have been equipped with basic knowledge and skills necessary to enforce the law related to children’s rights,” said Adu, who is based at the Mission Headquarters in Mogadishu.
Training participant Abdi Osman Aden, a Hirshabelle police officer, said the training equipped him with skills to effectively protect children’s rights.
“I have gained valuable insights to safeguard children’s rights and wellbeing. I am committed to applying this knowledge and imparting this information to my colleagues,” said Aden.
ATMIS remains committed to safeguarding children in conflict zones by empowering SPF officers.
