June 16 is recognised in Africa as the “Day of the African Child” (DAC).

In 1991, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the then OAU instituted the DAC in memory of the 16th June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, South Africa. At that time, students marched in protest against the poor quality of education they received and demanded to be taught in their languages.

The DAC serves to commemorate these children and the brave action they took in defence of their right. The DAC thus celebrates the children of Africa and calls for serious introspection and commitment towards addressing the numerous challenges facing children across the continent.

The celebration should be contextualised by Member States
as a build-up to the realisation of the rights of children from the family/community level and up to national and international levels.

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) has been leading the commemoration of the DAC since 2002, nevertheless, the event has been conducted as one-off event each year without the feedback process for assessing the impact of the previous DAC.

During the commemoration of the DAC children participation was the highlight of the day. Children articulated their views and presented specific recommendations addressed to all stakeholders.

The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child provides for child participation where the views of children matter and must be heard (article 4 (2) & (7) whereby efforts are required to ensure that their views are meaningfully channelled and taken into account.

The theme for the Day of the African Child (DAC) 2021 is “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”.

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (Committee), established under Articles 32 and 33 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (the Charter) selected this theme for the commemoration of the DAC in 2021.

In line with the above, One Africa Forum hereby declares June 16 2021 a day to advocate for the children of Africa.

Our theme for the commemoration of the DAC is “Amplifying the voice of the African Child: Quality education for our nation’s pride”

All countries are hereby directed to observe the day in whatever capacity possible.

Countries are advised to use any convenient channel, medium or platform to observe this day of advocacy.

Where possible, members may meet and observe the day by engaging in community service, town hall meeting or mini conference, visit to children’s homes, schools, orphanages, etc.

Members may also pay a visit to the relevant government agencies, and submit a communication request for the enrichment of the education in the country or region while also pledging solidarity to support a course that fosters better education for the African Child.

N.B – All covid safety/precautionary measures must be observed.

One Africa Forum stands in solidarity with AU and ACERWC in the steps to accelerating the implementation of the Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children.

Signed.
One Africa Forum.
1st June 2021