Target Population: Children, child representatives, and stakeholders responsible for child rights and protection.

Location: Hargeisa, Berbera, and Borama, Somaliland.

Duration: January 2017 to December 2017.

Donor / Partner: Save the Children and DANIDA.

Primary Goal: Strengthen child protection and child rights governance by supporting functional child-rights systems, child participation, advocacy, and stakeholder capacity.

Rationale & Context

The Child Rights Enhancement Project (CREPS), implemented by ACRIF with support from Save the Children and DANIDA, aimed to strengthen child protection and rights governance in Somaliland. Through advocacy, awareness, public dialogue, capacity building, and child participation, the project worked to create a safer environment for children and strengthen systems for promoting and monitoring their rights.

Key Project Components

1. Child Rights Governance and Coordination

• Conduct National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC) consultations and a taskforce meeting with stakeholders.
• Strengthen collaboration among actors responsible for child rights and protection.

2. Child Participation and Advocacy

• Establish the National Children’s Forum.
• Support child forum members to conduct advocacy and engage directly with schools.

3. Capacity Building and Monitoring

• Train stakeholders on child rights monitoring and budget advocacy.
• Support school visits focused on child-rights conditions and practical improvements, including water and waste management.

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger stakeholder capacity to monitor, advocate for, and protect children’s rights.
• Children have a formal platform to participate in advocacy and influence decisions affecting them.
• School-level advocacy contributes to practical improvements in facilities and the learning environment.