The Africa Children Summit which is meant to provide a platform for children across Africa and beyond to discuss issues that affect them and share recommendations on policy interventions came to an end yesterday after a three day meeting in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
The inaugural event was attended by children aged 10 -17 years across Africa, with open registration for every child on the continent.
Under the theme “Seen, Heard and Engaged,” children hosted the summit, and the discussions were child-led, aimed at sharing their experiences, unique challenges and interventions by their governments.
At the same time, the summit was graced by notable dignitaries including the Vice- Chair of UN Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the child, the Chairperson of the NCAJ Standing Committee on Access and Administration of Justice for Children, and a judge from the High Court of Kenya.
Hon. Alassane Moulaye Sidikou, Member of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, encouraged children to take their rights and become defenders of children`s rights.
On the other hand, Prof. Philip D. Jaff`e, Vice Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, emphasized the need to protect the rights of pregnant girls and improve healthcare access.
The Summit ended with a call for the outcomes raised by the children to be monitored to ensure they are implemented by governments, their agencies, and other stakeholders and it will continue to rotate in different African countries, with a focus on amplifying children’s voices and empowering them to become more involved in shaping policies and programs for their welfare.
By Vostine Ratemo
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