UNICEF officials say they are pleased that officials in war-torn, anarchic Somalia intend to ratify the international convention to guarantee children's rights.The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted 20 years ago Friday and ratified by every country except the United States and Somalia, calls on nations to protect children from abuse and sexual exploitation, reduce child mortality and give children access to health care and education.
UNICEF's Somalia representative Rozanne Chorlton says Somalia's ratification will help children in a country considered one of the most difficult in the world for children
Somalia has been without a functional government and army since 1991, when feuding warlords overthrew longtime dictator Siad Barre.