Youth justice in Somalia is the most neglected area in Somali society since 1990. There is a commonly used Somali saying that goes: "dhalinyarada soomaalidu waa ma liibaanayaadha lagu liibaano," referring to the marginalized who are useful. Community leaders, politicians, terrorist groups, clan leaders, and business people exploit the youth for their own benefits or causes. Youth are valuable assets for everyone, yet they gain nothing in return. They are weaponized for various causes, and no one cares about their suffering. Many are imprisoned for offenses they were coerced into committing to protect their bosses.
Even families place youth in gaols for correction, a practice known as iihaay. This can happen without any court hearings or decisions. Youth are exploited by clans, terrorist groups, and other armed forces. Whatever happens to them while they protect these groups goes unnoticed. They become burdens to their mothers and wives. The groups that used them or benefited from them simply discard them when they are no longer useful.
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