Human Rights Defense
We use criminal law to put children’s rights into action.
The Problem
In Somaliland, the rights of children in conflict with the law are clearly established.
The Juvenile Justice Law incorporates the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic law, including key protections such as acting in the best interests of the child and limiting detention to a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate time.
However, without legal representation, these protections are not always applied in practice.
Our Approach
CLDC provides direct legal defense to children in conflict with the law, using each case as an opportunity to ensure that legal protections are implemented.
Our work focuses on applying the principles of the Juvenile Justice Law in individual cases, including ensuring that the best interests of the child are considered, advocating for release from detention wherever possible, and challenging the use of imprisonment except as a last resort and for the shortest appropriate time.
Through representation in court, we work to ensure that these principles are not only recognized but also enforced.
Why It Matters
Laws alone do not protect children—implementation does.
By applying these principles in individual cases, legal defense strengthens how the justice system functions as a whole.
Each case contributes to building a system in which children are treated in accordance with their rights, not just in theory, but in practice.
Help put children’s rights into action
Your support helps ensure that the law is applied in every case—and that no child is left without legal defense.