Vulnerability of the Vulnerable Group in Complex Peace Operations in Somalia: Capacity Pitfall or Negligence?

It has been a constant feature in peacekeeping missions that military forces are accused of violating the rights of those vulnerable, particularly children and women. This notion has blighted the significance of the debate on whether these forces working jointly with humanitarian agencies could create synergies for protecting children from the risks of abuse by belligerents. While the rising demand for joint military-humanitarian initiatives on the African continent is starting to be visible, cases of children abuse remain on the rise in countries experiencing armed conflict such as Somalia. What are the opportunities and challenges facing the potential for joint initiatives between military forces and humanitarian agencies? Using the case of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), this article will particularly uncover the main driving forces constraining military forces from effectively protecting children’s rights in Somalia. In conclusion, the article points to the need to improve the civil-military relationship by building sustainable partnerships as a prerequisite for protecting the rights of children in fragile states.