The Slave Route
Commemoration of the Day of the African Child
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“ALL TOGETHER FOR URGENT ACTIONS IN FAVOUR OF STREET
CHILDREN”
This is the theme chosen by African Union to celebrate the 21st edition of the International Day of the African Child (16 June), a remembrance that should have particular resonance on this International Year for People of African Descent.
The Day of the African Child is celebrated on 16 June every year by the African Union pursuant to resolution CM/Res.1290(XL). It offers an opportunity to remember the 1976 massacre of SOWETO children, who merely took to the streets to demand their right to racism-free education, in the then apartheid South African.
More than just a commemoration, the Day of the African Child seeks to draw the attention of all actors involved in improving the condition of children on the continent and to unite their efforts to combat the ills that plague the daily lives of children. It is also an occasion for Governments, International Institutions and Communities to deal with this delicate condition of the children by organising activities to promote the
rights of the child.
In 2010, African States celebrated the 20th Day of the African Child under the theme: “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Welfare: A Collective Responsibility”. This celebration helped in making an assessment of investments in children and of the level of such investment in comparison with commitments by the States to take all necessary steps to give effect to the recognised rights of children. This assessment has shown that a country’s commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of children is not dependent on its economic status but rather on its political will and expenditure priorities.
Ahead of the 21st Day of the African Child, the Executive Council of the African Union adopted by Decision No.EX.CL/Dec. 569(XVII) the following theme: “All Together for Urgent Actions in Favour of Street Children”.
- Source:African Union
- 16-06-2011