Defend imprisoned children in Somaliland

Recently, CLDC represented Hayaad, a 14-year-old Ethiopian girl who had traveled alone to Somaliland in search of work. Instead of finding opportunity, she was arrested while traveling by bus and found herself detained far from home, separated from her family, and without anyone to advocate for her.

Our legal team took on her case and successfully secured her release.

But for Hayaad, release was only the beginning.

After leaving detention, she remained stranded in Somaliland with no way to return home to her family in Ethiopia. We reached out to authorities and international agencies seeking assistance. Unfortunately, once it became known that Hayaad was pregnant, no support was offered.

At CLDC, we believe that protecting a child means more than winning a case in court.

Rather than leave Hayaad to navigate this situation alone, our team stepped in. We arranged transportation back to Ethiopia, purchased food for her journey, accompanied her to the bus station, and ensured she was safely on her way home.

Hayaad's story reminds us that vulnerable children often need more than legal representation. They may need help accessing food, healthcare, education, transportation, or family support. Without these services, many children remain at risk even after their legal case ends.

This is what your support makes possible.

Because of donors like you, CLDC can do more than defend children's rights in court. We can help ensure that children have the support they need to move beyond crisis and toward safety, stability, and hope.

Thank you for helping us put human rights into action for children like Hayaad.