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The use of children in hostilities is not a new phenomenon. Nearly 20 years ago, the report of the expert of the Secretary-General on the impact of armed conflict on children, known as the Machel Report brought to international attention the extent and consequences of recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups. Even today, the recruitment of children largely takes place in situations of conflict, though terrorist and violent extremist groups are by no means the only ones perpetrating such grave violations against children.
 
The involvement of terrorist and violent extremist groups entails numerous new challenges for States. First, prevention has become particularly complex, as evidenced by the innovative methods of propaganda and recruitment employed specifically by such groups. This is a primary concern to efforts to effectively tackle a security threat while, at the same time, limiting the victimization of such children. Secondly, because of their association with terrorism-related activities, which are classified in international and national law as serious offences, an increasing number of children come into contact with national authorities, in particular with justice authorities. In this context, the questions range from the applicable international legal framework to the legal status of the children and the competent authorities and procedures to deal with them. Such children are commonly regarded as a security risk and subsequently exposed to further violations of their rights.

​Courtesy of UNODC

Download full report: ​http://bit.ly/2FjmVj5

​Our combined first-hand experience regarding Somalia’s opportunities and challenges is pooled with our immense network of regional and local contacts and an in-depth understanding of the complexities of the Somali landscape, helping turn challenges into opportunities and engaging local communities to develop home grown solutions to threats and challenges.

After more than two decades of conflict, one generation of Somalia’s children lost the opportunity for formal education and other benefits of a stable childhood. Somalia has one of the world’s lowest enrollment rates for primary school-aged children – only 30 per cent of children are in school and only 40 per cent of these are girls. Further, only 18 per cent of children in rural households are in school. Extremely high rates of poverty in communities across Somalia make it difficult for parents to afford school fees. In many areas, parents are required to pay for their children’s education, and poverty remains the main reason they give for not sending their children to school.
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ISIR Consulting realizes that the future belongs to the nation that best educates its people. We therefore support a project that equips schools in Somalia with Science Lab Equipment and supplies to improve the education quality and student achievement. At ISIR Consulting, we understand the importance of having up-to-date science lab equipment supplies at schools as Science is different from any other subject and in order to understand its concepts, one has to look beyond the books and conventional classroom teaching.
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Big thanks to  Twins/ and Happy Hearts charities that made this project possible

 ISIR Consulting provides cutting edge research solutions and in-depth analysis to our clients on diverse issues spanning the political, socio-economic and structural contexts in Somalia and the region.

This past July, we helped deliver emergency relief supplies in Mogadishu, Somalia to help Somalis suffering from the devastating drought and the subsequent famine in the country

Rural water supply assessment in Galgaduud region - central Somalia, currently under process, has been assigned to a team of consultants. The efforts and the contributions of the team are very much appreciated. ISIR Consulting is asking all relevant organizations working in the water sector in Galgaduud region - Somalia, both from the government and the private to kindly provide information which can make the ongoing assessment process a success.

​One step at a time: Government of Somalia, donor partners & UN approve 2018-2022 Joint Programs on Local Governance, delivering vital services to Somali people.