Governments obliged to protect Africa’s children

‘Children are Africa’s future leaders. Protecting them, especially during times of conflict, is not only a moral and legal obligation but a strategic investment in long-term peace, stability and prosperity on the continent. Governments must ensure that their budgets reflect a commitment to programmes that safeguard the rights and welfare of every child.’ Yeukai Chideya – a researcher at the Institute for Life Course Health Research at Stellenbosch University – says according to the UN, 500m to 1.5bn children worldwide experience some form of violence each year – a figure that may have increased in recent years. ‘In Africa, it is estimated that half the child population has either witnessed or experienced some form of violence – emotional, sexual and physical. In addition, Africa ranks as the region with the second-highest number of armed conflicts globally.’ In his Thought Leader column in the Mail & Guardian, Chideya notes the AU estimates that about 80m children in Africa are affected by armed conflict – equivalent to one in every three children on the continent.

Africa has several policy frameworks to address violence against children in armed conflict areas, including the African Charter on the Rights & Welfare of the Child. Chideya says the charter outlines the obligations of AU member states to safeguard the rights and welfare of all children on the continent, including their rights to life, education and special protection and care during times of armed conflict. However, one of the difficulties in implementing the African Charter is the lack of adequate resources. ‘Governments frequently prioritise investment in military resources and national security over issues that affect children. Effective implementation of frameworks such as the African Charter is vital to ensuring that children in Africa can meet key developmental milestones and realise their full potential.’ Chideya adds reparations for these children must go beyond symbolic gestures. ‘They should include financial compensation for injuries and disruption to education, access to trauma-informed mental healthcare and support for resettlement or reunification with family where possible.’