The annual observation of Children’s Day, commemorated globally on November 20th, aims at promoting children’s rights, while creating awareness on all children related issues and promoting child welfare worldwide. 

 

It is a day initially launched in 1954, with notable events rolled out over the years through various organisations such as schools, charities, businesses, and governments, in anticipation of encouraging child security and protection. 

 

The theme for Universal Children’s Day 2022

 

This year’s theme for the commemoration of Universal Children’s Day is “Inclusion of Every Child.”

With South Africa being one of the most unequal societies in the world, children from poorer communities fall victim to being excluded from basic rights such as nutrition and education. Furthermore, the country is also considered to be unsafe for vulnerable groups, including children.

 

 

The Devastating Statistics

 

In South Africa, more still needs to be done in protecting children. In August of this year, police statistics revealed that 243 children had been murdered between April and July in South Africa. Moreover, it was revealed that 394 children were survivors of attempted murder. Astonishingly, most crimes against children are committed by their guardians. 

 

According to a Unicef report, at least three children get killed per day in South Africa, while the South African Police Service statistics revealed an appalling number of 352 children lives cut short between the periods of October and December 2021

 

The Government’s Efforts

 

Children’s rights are entrenched in Section 28 of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa. Furthermore, the Department of Basic Education introduced an Action for Children Framework that promotes security and relevant social services. The Framework sets out several children’s rights such as the rights to be protected from violence and discrimination and the rights to life, health, and education.

 

However, the government’s initiative has fallen short due to the lack of education about children’s rights within impoverished communities.

 

 

With that said, ordinary South Africans should take it upon themselves to educate children about their rights and encourage them to report any infringement thereof.

 

This Children’s Day, Batswadi would like to echoe the United Nations’ vehement stance on the following children’s rights:

–             Life, survival, and development.

–             Protection from violence, abuse, or neglect.

–             An education that enables children to fulfill their potential.

–             Be raised by, or have a relationship with, both parents even if they are separated.

–             Express their opinions and be listened to.

–             Have a right to privacy.

–             Their lives are not subject to excessive interference.

 

 Childline South Africa: 116