Every child has the fundamental right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from harm, abuse, and exploitation. ACRIF is committed to ensuring the protection of children from all forms of violence, including gender-based violence (GBV), female genital mutilation (FGM), child labor, trafficking, and early marriage, as well as safeguarding their right to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
To achieve this, ACRIF takes a holistic approach to child protection, collaborating with families, communities, and institutions to establish strong support systems. We focus on raising awareness and building capacity through education programs that help parents, caregivers, and community leaders recognize, prevent, and address harmful practices and abuses.
Our efforts include promoting children’s right to participate in governance and decision-making processes that impact their well-being. By empowering children to voice their opinions and engage in advocacy, we ensure that their rights are respected and upheld. ACRIF works tirelessly to strengthen child protection structures, creating safe spaces where children can thrive and reach their full potential, free from exploitation and violence.
3 NPAC consultations and 1 national taskforce meeting with 25 stakeholders, strengthening national child rights coordination and supporting effective planning and policy development.
Stakeholders trained on child rights monitoring and budget advocacy, empowering them to actively promote and safeguard children’s rights.
Child members established the National Children’s Forum, enabling them to engage in advocacy and community action to influence positive changes for their peers.
Schools visited by child forum members, leading to tangible improvements in water, sanitation, and waste management systems through their advocacy efforts.
School principals and focal teachers oriented on Child Rights Governance (CRG), promoting child participation in education governance and ensuring sustained student engagement.
Children trained as Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) on Child-Centered Disaster Risk Reduction, enabling them to lead peer awareness and strengthen school and community disaster resilience.
Primary schools received essential materials, including sanitation tools, registers, amplifiers, and sports equipment, enhancing CRG operations and improving learning environments.
Empowered women as FGM change agents, equipping them with knowledge and advocacy skills to lead grassroots efforts in defending the rights of girls and women.
Community-led dialogues held across five districts, fostering community engagement against FGM and promoting collective understanding and abandonment of the practice.
Awareness sessions conducted across five districts, building community understanding of FGM harms and encouraging collective abandonment.
Community declarations across five districts, reflecting a unified commitment to end FGM and protect girls’ rights
Data collection surveys by deploying enumerators and community guides, strengthening the evidence base on gender-based violence (GBV).
Public debates and forums held with diverse community stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth, women’s groups, and human rights organizations, to raise awareness on GBV and child protection.
Key stakeholder groups engaged through targeted workshops, contributing to the development of the National Gender Policy with the Government of Somaliland.
In addition to protection, ACRIF emphasizes the importance of child participation. Children have the right to express their views, be heard, and take an active role in matters affecting their lives. We empower children through leadership and advocacy programs, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to speak up against abuse and demand their rights.
ACRIF’s child protection strategy focuses on six key priority areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safeguarding children. Through policy advocacy, legal support, community engagement, and rehabilitation services, we work to eliminate harmful practices and create a safer world where every child can grow, learn, and participate without fear.
Gender-based violence (GBV) and female genital mutilation (FGM) are grave violations of the rights, health, and dignity of women and girls. Our organization has remained steadfast in its commitment to combatting these harmful practices and will continue to strengthen its efforts through inclusive, sustainable, and community-centered strategies.
Child labor remains a critical issue in many parts of Africa, where children are often forced into hazardous work due to economic pressures. ACRIF is dedicated to eradicating child labor by working with governments, communities, and both International and National Non-Government Organizations to enforce laws that protect children from exploitation.
Child trafficking is a severe violation of children’s rights, involving the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of minors. ACRIF collaborates with law enforcement, government agencies, and NGOs to prevent child trafficking and provide rehabilitation services for victims. Our initiatives include community education campaigns, strengthening legal frameworks, and offering support services such as counseling, Healthcare, education, and vocational training for rescued children.
ACRIF works to end child marriage by raising awareness of its detrimental effects on girls’ health, education, and future prospects. Child marriage is a widespread practice in many African countries, often driven by poverty, cultural traditions, and lack of education. We support communities through our programs that promote the rights of girls, provide education and vocational training, and engage local leaders and families in the fight against child marriage.
Every child has the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives and to have their voice heard. Our organization is deeply committed to ensuring that children are recognized as active agents of change in shaping their futures and contributing to their communities.
ACRIF strives to reform juvenile justice systems to ensure that children are treated fairly and humanely. We advocate for the use of restorative justice practices, alternatives to detention, and the provision of legal aid and support services. Our goal is to help children reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism through education, vocational training, and community support.
Orphans and vulnerable children often face significant challenges, including poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. ACRIF supports Orphans and vulnerable children by providing full care that addresses their physical, emotional, and educational needs.
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ACRIF (former ANPPCAN Somaliland) is a development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls and boys
