Use AU Day of the African Child to promote the rights of the child – Gender Ministry
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection through the Department of Children, in collaboration with its partners has planned to use this year’s AU Day of the African Child (DAC) to create awareness on the access to child-friendly justice in the country and the implication of Convid-19 on the protection of the rights of the child.
The celebration of the AU Day of the African Child (DAC) was instituted in the year 1976 on the 16th of June, and is to be celebrated each year in memory of the children who died as a result of the unfortunate incident that took place in Soweto, South Africa.
A statement issued by the Ministry today [Wednesday, June 10, 2020], entreated all stakeholders with the mandate to implement child rights and the general public to prioritise children’s development and protection.
“We entreat all to mark the day by creating awareness on the need for children to have access to justices in all matters concerning their welfare,” the statement said.
Below is the statement
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection through the Department of Children, in collaboration with UNICEF, Plan Ghana, World Vision International, UNHCR, Child Rights International, NGO Coalition on the Rights of the Child, Star Ghana, International Cocoa Initiative, Child Online Africa, International Needs Ghana, Curious Minds and other Partners join to wish all children in Ghana a Happy AU Day.
The celebration of the AU Day of the African Child (DAC) was instituted in the year 1976 on the 16th of June, and is to be celebrated each year in memory of the children who died as a result of the unfortunate incident that took place in Soweto, South Africa.
This year’s AU Day coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of the African Unity in July 1990, and entered into force in November, 1999. The Charter encompasses various provisions which aims at the protection and promotion of children’s rights. Example is the administration of the juvenile justice which matches this year’s theme for the celebration of the AU Day in Ghana which is, ‘Access to Child-Friendly Justice in Ghana’.
The celebration is expected to be nationwide with awareness creation at the regions, districts and local levels on the Access to Child-Friendly Justice in Ghana and the implication of Convid-19 on the protection of the rights of the child. The activities scheduled for the event are as follows:
All stakeholders with the mandate to implement child rights and the general public must ensure that the protection and development of our children becomes our first priority. We entreat all to mark the day by creating awareness on the need for children to have access to justices in all matters concerning their welfare.
Children must be protected without any discrimination so that they can develop to their full potential.
Once again, the Ministry and its partners wish all children a Happy AU Day.
Please contact Christian on 0277729717 and Florence on 0244374480 for further clarification.