Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Somalia’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

By United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretar

The Secretary-General welcomes the Government of Somalia's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, an important measure which binds the Government to ensure specific protections for all children in the country.

The Secretary-General views the Convention as the world's strongest commitment to promote and respect the human rights of children, including the right to life, to health, to education and to play, as well as the right to family life, to be protected from violence and from any form of discrimination, and to have their views heard. Adopted in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child stands as the most widely ratified human rights convention, with 196 State parties.

The Secretary-General encourages the United States, the only State yet to ratify the Convention, to join the global movement and help the world reach the objective of universal ratification. He affirms the continuous support of the United Nations in these efforts.

New York, 2 October 2015