DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD Conflict and Crisis in Africa: Protecting all children’s rights

The Day of the African Child (DAC) is commemorated every year on 16 June by Member States of the African Union (AU), and its Partners (in accordance with Resolution CM/Res.1290 (XL)). This occasion is firstly a commemoration to recall the 1976 uprisings in Soweto, when a protest by school children in South Africa against apartheid-inspired education resulted in the public killing of these unarmed young protesters by police officials. The DAC further presents an opportunity to take stalk of the efforts of all actors committed to the rights of children on the continent. It provides an occasion for Governments, International Institutions and Communities to renew their on-going commitments towards improving the plight of marginalized and particularly vulnerable children by organizing activities aimed at including these specific children (ACERWC, 2015).

The 2016 Day of the African Child Theme under the theme, “Conflict and Crisis in Africa: Protecting all children’s rights”.  In the Rwenzori region, 2016 DAC was unique in that it gave an opportunity to reflect on causes and nature of the conflicts that have happened and thereafter design appropriate strategies for lasting peace in the region. The importance of Article 22 and other relevant provisions of the African Children‘s Charter and other relevant African human rights instruments in safeguarding girls and boys in Africa from conflicts and crises and their attendant consequences.

While we have the heart of being in school, at most we are challenged and experience sexual harassment, denial of basic needs at home by parents, rape, and defilement, cultural institutional conflicts, domestic violence has been the order of the day and land wrangle which has resulted into high death rates which directly affects us, narrated by one child during the DAC

  

Below are pupils from Mundogo primary school-Kasese district presenting violence free massage

The RDC Ntroko who was the chief guest and LCV chair persons from kasese, kabarole, bundibugy and Ntoroko respectively standing during the official opening of the DAC

What should be done?

 There should be identification of the immediate causes separated from indigenous problems at home, work, and through daily interactions and shared relationships among members of society. 

There should be peace and reconciliation committees at district level across the region where by all stakeholders are represented to allow free sharing for the betterment of the region as well as our children.

Formation of peace clubs in all primary schools so that the concept can be passed on through children to their parents.

Government need to fully spell out how cultural institutions work so that the issue of boundaries be solved since it has been one of the causes of conflicts.

If not now, when? If not you, then who? One child asked during their presentation on the DAC

For the better of the African child conflict and crises must stop now.

By kule obed