MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The semi-autonomous region of Puntland in northeastern Somalia has been accused of executing four minors who were convicted by a military court for their involvement in crimes. This incident highlights a troubling trend in the Horn of Africa country, where the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts remain significant issues.
“In Puntland state of Somalia four young men were executed for crimes they committed while they were all under the age of 18 and this is not an isolated case,” said Ilwad Elman, who works at Elman Peace and Human Rights Center, during a UN Security Council briefing.
“Somalia must consolidate its approach on prosecution of children associated with armed groups designated as terrorist organizations, bring detention conditions and access to legal services in compliance with international human rights standards and ensure fair trials and due process rights of all persons suspected of committing crimes,” she added.
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