Putting human rights into action for children
The Children’s Legal Defense Center provides legal defense to imprisoned children in Somaliland—turning rights on paper into real protection in courtrooms.
Our mission is to use criminal defense to put human rights into action for children in Somaliland.
Our Story
What started with a desk near the courthouse in Hargeisa has grown into a sustained effort to get imprisoned children home.
Our Work
We use criminal defense to ensure that children’s rights are upheld in practice and that the law is applied in every case.
In Somaliland, children’s rights exist on paper—but without legal defense, they are often not realized.
We put a lawyer beside them to defend their rights in court and turn the promise of the law into reality.
How it works
Take Cases
We identify imprisoned children
Provide Defense
We defend them in court
Challenge Violations
We fight for their rights
Drive System Change
We set legal precedents
Our Focus Areas
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Migration & Trafficking Cases
Defending children who are criminalized in the context of migration and trafficking.
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Human Rights Defense
Applying the Juvenile Justice Law in practice to ensure that children’s rights are upheld in every case.
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Gender Justice
Defending girls and young women to ensure they receive fair treatment and strong legal representation.
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Death Penalty Cases
Ensuring that no child is subjected to unlawful sentences, including the death penalty prohibited under Somaliland law.
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Torture & Coerced Confessions
Challenging cases where confessions are obtained unlawfully and ensuring fair trial protections.
Your support makes justice real
3,184
Children Defended
2,012
Released from Detention
654
Prison Sentences Reduced