The African Report on Violence against Children constitutes the most comprehensive study to date of the phenomenon in Africa and lays down the priorities for action at various levels that will be required to achieve better protection of children. The report was commissioned at the 15th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 2010 to follow up on the UN Study on violence against children, to provide a detailed perspective on the situation in Africa.
The report’s findings are principally informed by large scale surveys undertaken in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and a review of more than 75 studies and reports. It reveals that a distinctive range of social, cultural and economic factors can combine to increase the risk of African children facing increased levels of physical and emotional violence in domestic settings, at schools, in institutions and in the workplace. These risks may be exacerbated in times of political upheaval and conflict, and girls are particularly vulnerable.
The launch will host a panel discussion with distinguished speakers including:
– H.E. Joaquim Chissano, President of Mozambique (1986-2005), and Chairperson of the International Board of Trustees, ACPF;
– Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union;
– Prof. Benyam Dawit Mezmur, Chairperson of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and Second Vice-Chairperson of the UNCRC;
– Prof. Marta Santos Pais, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children; and
– Mr. George Nyakora, President of the AfricaWide Movement for Children (AMC).
The panel will discuss the following issues:
v The magnitude of violence against children in Africa;
v What’s being done to prevent and respond to violence against children;
v Persisting challenges in child protection;
v The Agenda for Action.
The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.
Date: Friday 19 September 2014
Venue: African Union Headquarters
New Conference Center, Conference Hall 3
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Time: 8:30 am Addis Ababa Time (GMT + 3)
