Commemorating Day of the African Child

What started as a demonstration by black Students in Soweto , South Africa way back in 1976 has come to be a global event . The students by then were protesting against issues related to government-sanctioned apartheid within the student community.

In 1991 , the African Union designated June 16th as the Day of the African Child. The day is also known as International Day of the African Child . The same day is referred to as “Youth Day “ in South Africa.

Day of the African Child 2022 Theme

The theme to mark this auspicious day is always selected by The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child .

This year’s theme is “ Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children : Progress on Policy and Practice Since 2013 .”

Last year’s theme was “ 30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa for children.”

Uganda’s participation in Day of the African Child

On 17th August, 1994, Uganda ratified the African Charter , committing to protect and promote the realization of Children’s rights.

Since then, 28 years down the road, there has been a positive change. A number of polices have been put in place such as mandatory Primary school education, polices to check on Child labour plus many other.

The 2040 Agenda : Fostering an Africa fit for Children

The agenda was established in 2016.Its main purpose is to “ restore the dignity of the African Child through assessing the achievements and challenges faced towards the effective implementation of the African Children’s Charter.

Ten aspirations are listed in the Agenda. A timeline of 2040 is set to see to it that these aspirations are achieved by 2040.

The following are the ten aspiration stated in the Charter :

Aspiration 1: The African Children’s Charter, as supervised by the African Children’s Committee, provides an effective continental framework for advancing children’s rights.

Aspiration 2: An effective child-friendly national legislative, policy and institutional framework is in place in all Member States.

Aspiration 3: Every child’s birth and other vital statistics are registered.

Aspiration 4: Every child survives and has a healthy childhood.

Aspiration 5: Every child grows up well-nourished and with access to the basic necessities of life.

Aspiration 6: Every child benefits fully from quality education.

Aspiration 7: Every child is protected against violence, exploitation, neglect and abuse.

Aspiration 8: Children benefit from a child-sensitive criminal system.

Aspiration 9: Every child is free from the impact of armed conflicts and other disasters or emergency situations.

Aspiration 10: African children’s views matter