Somalia, Türkiye sign agreement to strengthen family protection and social services

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia and Türkiye have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Saturday to strengthen cooperation on social services, family protection and the rights of women and children.

The agreement was signed in Antalya, Türkiye, on the sidelines of the COP31 United Nations climate conference by Somalia's Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, and Türkiye's Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş.

The agreement covers the protection of women's and children's rights, prevention of violence against women and measures to safeguard children from risks associated with digital platforms and online environments.

It also provides for cooperation in improving health and education services, along with care and rehabilitation programs for persons with disabilities and older people.

The two governments agreed to organize training programs, conferences and seminars to strengthen the skills of social service professionals and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience.

“The agreement is an important step toward improving Somalia's social services,” Al-Makhzoumi added, saying the government hopes to benefit from the experience of international partners, particularly Türkiye, in strengthening family protection and safeguarding the rights of women and children.

The Somali minister also addressed a side event at COP31 focusing on the relationship between climate change, social protection and women's empowerment.

Al-Makhzoumi called for international climate financing to reach the most vulnerable communities, especially rural families disproportionately affected by droughts and flooding.

She also emphasized the importance of including women in the development of climate policies and adaptation strategies, highlighting their role in strengthening community resilience.

The agreement comes as Somalia seeks greater international cooperation to improve social services and expand protection for communities affected by humanitarian emergencies and climate-related disasters.

Türkiye has been one of Somalia's closest international partners since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Mogadishu in 2011 during a devastating drought and famine.

Since then, Ankara has provided humanitarian assistance and supported projects in education, healthcare, infrastructure and institutional development.