adminAFRICAN children’s rights should be protected at all costs.
There has been continued violation of their rights.
Action against perpetrators of children’s rights is important and will make the continent a better place to live for our kids. The children’s rights agenda, which is marked on June 16 every year, should never be underestimated.
Dubbed the Day of the African Child, June 16 is a special day on the global calendar.
It’s a day designed to mark memories of students who were massacred in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976, as they protested against the injustice of the education system during the apartheid era.
In 1991, the African Union – formerly the Organisation of the African Unity – designated June 16 as the Day of the African Child.
The day, which is meant to promote children’s rights, has become a very important occasion across the continent. African governments and children’s rights defenders have all been taking this day seriously. This collective effort is needed to reward the resilience, courage and the potential of the African child.
The Soweto massacre is a reminder that children deserve their rights.
Here at home, the day, which was marked last Friday with a number of festivities, is also very relevant.
This year’s celebrations came at a time when Zimbabwe was grappling with child rape, ritual murders and child marriages. Protection against all forms of abuse, access to education and health services are some of the issues Zimbabweans children are yearning for.
Last Friday, the Government assured children that it will continue to prioritise their welfare. Children have been urged to speak out against the people trampling on their rights.
The Government has vowed to give children a chance to participate in national issues and ensure their voices are heard. Government continues to give children a voice through the Junior Parliament. This ensures that children’s grievances are heard.
The initiative has also helped them to speak out and be heard.
As a progressive nation, action is all that we want when our children air their grievances. One of their fundamental needs is the right to education and, of course, a review of their curriculum, an issue education chiefs have vowed to address.
Children’s rights should be marked on a daily basis and not once a year.
We should not wait for June 16 to start observing children’s rights.
Child rights defenders should continue to hold outreach pro-grammes countrywide to ensure they empower children with in-formation.
With the girl child being the worst affected, we should all try to give them a voice and the protection they need.
The girl child should also get access to education, health services as well as basics like shelter, food and sanitary wear.
Observing children’s rights should become a part of the way we raise our kids. Laws, which protect children’s rights, should be enforced without fear or favour.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter