MOGADISHU, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Somali Cabinet on Thursday approved a new policy to ensure the safety of civilians during armed conflicts and to align security operations with international humanitarian law.
The Ministry of Defense said the Council of Ministers approved the Protection of Civilians Policy for Security Operations and Armed Conflict, which provides clear guidance to security forces on minimizing civilian harm and upholding human dignity during combat operations.
The policy is grounded in the national constitution and legal frameworks, and is aligned with international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and the Geneva Conventions, along with their additional protocols, the ministry said.
"This is to provide clear guidance to security forces to minimize civilian harm and uphold human dignity," it added.
Analysts said the policy aims to enhance civilian protection standards amid ongoing security operations against al-Shabaab militants across the country, stressing that safeguarding civilians is central to the country's security transition. ■
