Stakeholders have sounded the alarm over persistent cases of child neglect, abuse, and violations of rights across Africa, despite the progress made over the years.
As Kenyans joined the rest of the continent to mark the Day of the African Child which is commemorated annually on June 16, in honour of the 1976 Soweto Uprising where hundreds of children were killed during a protest against apartheid in South Africa, experts and child welfare advocates yesterday painted a grim picture of the situation in many African countries, particularly in war-torn regions.
They noted with concern that children continue to suffer devastating consequences including psychological trauma, displacement, recruitment into armed groups, disruption of education, and heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and death.
Speaking to journalists, Prof. Peter Wanderi, the Principal Corporate Services at Mount Kenya University called for concerted efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for children, particularly in education and healthcare.
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“We are still far from achieving the goal of protecting the African child from social, political and environmental adversities and hence the reason for deliberate and concerted efforts to achieve this,” Prof Wanderi said.
Wanderi expressed concern over the increasing impact of climate change on African children, highlighting how environmental changes have deepened the challenges children face.
He cited rising cases of displacement due to floods and droughts, water and food insecurity, and increased health risks as consequences of climate-related crises.
“Access to the right education has been a toll order for many children faced with climate change effects. Many have been displaced by floods and in worst situations they’ve lost their lives, others go for days without food and hence cannot concentrate with their education. It’s high time African countries rise and enhance equality, rights and protection of our children,” the don noted.
The stakeholders at the same time emphasized the growing threats children face in the digital space.
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Dr. Daniel Oloo, a university lecturer, noted that while technology has opened doors for learning and communication, it has also exposed children to new forms of abuse.
He added that while laws and policies exist to protect children, enforcement remains a significant challenge and called for strengthened cooperation among governments, civil society, and academic institutions to provide safer spaces for children to grow and thrive.
Stella Chao, a university student and children’s rights advocate decried the negative impact of conflicts across the continent on the socio-economic development of children.
“In some instances, young children have been radicalized and recruited into radical or terrorist groups which have dented their lives. Conflicts starting from the family level, ethnic, regional and even national have caused deaths and trauma to thousands of children. We must act decisively and change this narrative,” Chao said.
She urged leaders and policymakers to invest in empowerment programs that educate children about their rights and equip them with life skills.
By Kamau Njoroge
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