Somalia has vowed to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, leaving the US the only nation not to back the accord. The UN, which is celebrating 20 years since the agreement was put into force, welcomed Somalia's announcement. Unicef, the UN's children's agency, however, reminded the Somali government that ratifying the convention was a commitment to protect children's rights.<br/>Ceremonies are taking place around the world to mark the 20th anniversary of the agreement. The UN says the convention has has had a remarkable impact on children's lives, but warns that one billion youngsters still go without food, shelter or healthcare.<br/>The convention guarantees children the right to life, education, and the right to play and to be protected from abuse. It has the widest international support of any human rights treaty – ratified by 193 countries. The US and Somalia had both signed the agreement – but neither country had ratified it. Reports say Somalia's decision to ratify the agreement will be seen as an important symbolic step.<br/><br/>