THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA
(3)
Every child has the right to care from their parents, including education and instruction. In
instances where this care is not available from the family, it must be provided by others. This right
applies to street children and children of unknown parents, the rights of whom the state has a
particular duty to fulfill and protect.
(4)
Adults have a duty to support their parents if the parents are unable to care for themselves.
(5)
A marriage shall not be legal without the free consent of both the man and the woman, or if
either party has not reached the age of maturity.
Article 29.
Children
(1)
Every child has the right to a good and righteous name and a nationality from birth.
(2)
Every child has the right to be protected from mistreatment, neglect, abuse, or degradation.
(3)
No child may perform work or provide services that are not suitable for the child·s age or create a
risk to the child·s health or development in any way.
(4)
Every child may be detained only as a last resort, for a limited time, in appropriate conditions, and
must be detained separately from adults with the exception of the child·s immediate family. The
child·s immediate family must be informed of the child·s detention as soon as practicable.
(5)
Every child shall have the right to legal aid paid for by the State if the child might otherwise suffer
injustice.
(6)
Every child has the right to be protected from armed conflict, and not to be used in armed conflict.
(7)
In every matter concerning a child, the child·s best interests are of paramount importance.
(8)
In this Article, the word ´cKLOGµmeans a person under 18 years of age.
Article 30.
Education
(1)
Education is a basic right for all Somali citizens.
(2)
Every citizen shall have the right to free education up to secondary school.
(3)
The State shall give priority to the development, expansion and extension of public education.
(4)
Private schools, institutes and universities shall be established according to law and in line with the
educational program and academic curricula of the country.
(5)
The State shall encourage the promotion of research, creativity, and arts, and the advancement of
cultural and traditional dances and sports and shall promote the positive customs and traditions of
the Somali people.
(6)
The State shall adopt a standardized curriculum across all schools of the country, and shall ensure
its implementation.
(7)
The State shall promote higher education, technical institutes, and technology and research
institutions.
(8)
The teaching of Islam shall be compulsory for pupils in both public and private schools. Schools
owned by non-Muslims shall be exempted from these measures.
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