THE AFRICAN CHILD

The last few years have seen a positive political movement on behalf of children, and children issues are higher on the African political agenda than ever before. In addition to the SDGs, there have been several Africa-specific initiatives to ensure that children are not left behind in economic and social development. These include, for example, the Au’s Children Agenda 2040 and its 10-year implementation plan, as well as campaigns to tackle harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, violence against children and child under-nutrition.

Girls have benefited from these initiatives – for example, girls born today have a much greater chance of surviving and accessing health and education services than in previous decades. nonetheless, girls still suffer from discriminatory attitudes and practices which exclude them from basic services and put them at higher risk of violence and exploitation.

These achievements are not a guarantee to relax but rather to take more responsibility in ensuring that we sustain this achievement and to go for more as many African Children are being neglected.

We must keep pushing for policies and implementation of these policies to protect the African Child.The African Child is conflicts areas must not be neglected, we sure that these children have access to food, good water, medical care, quality education, shelter, protection etc. there are so many African Children facing so many forms of violence.

The impact of this violence against children can be lifelong, and even passed from generation to generation.

When young people experience violence, the likelihood of their becoming future victims and

of acting violently themselves as adults increases.

1. Victim can become perpetrator. Yet, violence is not inevitable. We can and must break the cycle.

2. Research shows that violence can negatively impact children’s educational performance and achievement, which can have long-term economic consequences, including poverty.

3. Exposure to violence at an early age can impair brain development and is associated with a range of mental health problems.

4. Violence can lead to acute and long-term problems for children’s physical, sexual and reproductive health as well as their psychological well-being.

5. In all its forms, violence is detrimental; in the worst cases, it can be fatal. - UNICEF.

Violence, neglect and dysfunctional parenting have long-term costs for children, families and societies, but those costs can be averted through stronger public health and child-protection interventions.

Moses Albert

Chief Responsibility Officer, Icare Africa Initiative