Conflicts in the horn of Africa: a case study of children involvement in Somalia Conflict (2004-2011)

Abstract

This study was designed purposely to investigate the effects that children involvement in conflict had on their social welfare, contributing factors and interventions. Towards meeting this, the study sought data from Somalia urban refugees in Nairobi who were formally registered by the UNCHR based in Nairobi. In addition, data originated from international aid agencies whose operational offices were in Nairobi. The study found that the children of Somalia were heavily subjected to perils of conflict, thus vastly denying them the freedom towards enjoyment of social rights to education, health care and security. The rapid movements that were occasioned by the regional conflicts, disorientations from the formal schooling systems, lack of schools and limited interventions hindered easy access and sustainability to education. The children were badly exposed to malnutrition and death from diseases that would otherwise have been controlled if appropriate mechanisms had been put in place. Moreover, there was an arrested move towards establishing medical centers and rebuilding of health systems in the region to cater for the children. Most often than not, medical needs were addressed by voluntarism, and NGOs whose core activities were outside the scope. In terms of security, it was observed that the children were equally exposed to conflict related deaths since they were easy targets and cheaper fighter options. The conflicts resulted to weakened parental roles which led to most children seeking means of fending for themselves in the absence of formal governance structures.