The African Union hosts the annual International Day of the African Child on June 16 to increase awareness of the rights and ongoing struggles of African children.

Additionally, the day offers a forum for talking about and addressing topics including healthcare, education, and safety from exploitation and abuse.

It began in 1976 when stu­dents in Soweto, South Africa, were killed for demonstrating against inequality and injus­tice in education.

Since children have rights that must be upheld, the African Day celebration is appropriate because it serves as a poignant reminder to our communities to put children’s needs first, ensuring that they develop and realise their full potential.

Most importantly, it push­es people, governments, and communities to address press­ing issues like child labour, inadequate education, and to ensure safe, healthy environ­ments.

This year’s theme, “Plan­ning and budgeting for chil­dren’s rights: progress since 2010,” is no exception to the efforts done thus far by gov­ernments, individuals, par­ents, and others to advance the welfare of children.

In addition to their rights to nutritious food, medical care, secure housing, and high-qual­ity education, children also require emotional support, safety, and protection from danger in order to flourish.

Children’s physical, men­tal, and social development depends on these necessities, yet far too many continue to be denied their rights and go without food, housing, water, or health care.

While eating, sleeping, playing, and learning are all important aspects of a child’s growth, some children do not find these activities enjoyable. Such children work inde­pendently to make ends meet although their parents are responsible for that role,

Many people and organ­isations have put a lot of effort into making sure that children’s rights are outlined, upheld, and safeguarded; thus, everyone must keep fighting for children’s rights.

The Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) was created in 1989 as a result of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which served as the foundation for all legal norms pertaining to children’s rights. This is the first inter­national agreement with legal force that covers all human rights.

Therefore, a multifaceted strategy encompassing le­gal frameworks, education, community involvement, and tackling systemic challenges is needed to assure the preserva­tion of children’s rights.

Laws that safeguard chil­dren from abuse must be put into place and upheld, public awareness of children’s rights and protection must be in­creased, and safe spaces must be established in institutions and communities.

Let us all work together to defend the rights of African children.