Table of Contents
PRESS RELEASE
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Marking one year since the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children held in Bogotá, African leaders and stakeholders have recommitted to intensifying their efforts to safeguard children from all forms of violence across the continent.
Renewed Commitment at ARISE Africa Gathering
During a three-day ARISE Africa meeting, jointly organized by WHO Africa, UNICEF, and key partners, ministers, representatives from UN agencies, civil society groups, youth organizations, and development bodies convened to evaluate progress and outline a cohesive strategy for the future.
Addressing the Widespread Violence Against Children in Africa
Each year, over 205 million children in Africa endure various forms of violence, including physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Despite the scale of this crisis, child protection remains critically underfunded, with many nations dedicating less than 0.2% of their national budgets to this vital area. To confront this gap, the assembly endorsed a comprehensive continental roadmap designed to enhance accountability and expedite the implementation of child protection initiatives.
Key Pillars of the Continental Roadmap
The roadmap urges African countries to:
- Develop and maintain inclusive, government-led child protection frameworks grounded in strong legal systems.
- Boost domestic investment in child protection services to ensure sustainable funding.
- Synchronize national policies with continental frameworks such as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Agenda 2040, and Agenda 2063.
Fostering Multisectoral Collaboration for Safer Childhoods
The conference highlighted the critical importance of integrated cooperation across sectors including health, education, justice, and social welfare. Such collaboration is essential to build environments where children can thrive free from harm. Delegates also prioritized enhancing data collection and evidence-based monitoring systems to pinpoint high-risk areas and populations.
Moreover, the meeting underscored the expansion of community-driven and youth-led programs that empower families, teachers, and local leaders to actively prevent and respond to violence against children.
Voices of Leadership: Driving Sustainable Change
Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative (a.i.) to Ethiopia and Director of the WHO liaison office to the African Union and UNECA, emphasized the necessity of sustainable financing, innovative approaches, and robust partnerships to transform commitments into tangible outcomes. “Protecting Africa’s children requires more than declarations-it demands decisive and sustained action,” she affirmed.
From Commitment to Collective Accountability
The formal adoption of the ARISE Africa outcome document signals a pivotal shift towards shared responsibility and measurable progress. While declarations are important, the true measure lies in effective implementation and impact.
A Vision for Africa’s Future Generations
The convening concluded with a unified aspiration: to create an Africa where every child, regardless of background, grows up empowered, safe, and free from violence-ready to contribute to a prosperous and peaceful continent.
