On National Children’s Day, the South African president reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and fulfilling childhood for all children, highlighting the progress made since 1994, not without emphasizing the importance of intensifying efforts to protect vulnerable children from violence and discrimination.
On the occasion of National Children’s Day, celebrated this Saturday, the South African president strongly expressed his government’s desire to protect and promote the rights of children. This annual day, marked every first Saturday in November, commemorates the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, the first international treaty ratified by democratic South Africa in 1994.
« Every child has the right to a caring and fulfilling childhood “, declared the president, emphasizing the importance of creating a conducive environment where every young person can flourish. For him, the adoption of the Convention marked a turning point in the fight to abolish the inequalities inherited from apartheid, which had seriously compromised the future of black children, victims of discrimination and deprivation.
Significant progress in children’s rights
Since 1994, South Africa has made significant progress, integrating children’s rights into its Constitution and implementing programs dedicated to their well-being. The president highlighted free primary health care for those under six years old, free essential services for low-income families, as well as the national school nutrition program which has helped improve the health and education of children. children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He highlighted the effort in the field of education, which has become an almost universal right for 6-15 year olds, with a growing number of tuition-free schools. Today, three out of four children benefit, and more than 1.5 million participate in early childhood development programs, fundamental preparation for their future success.
The fight against abuse and violence continues
However, the president deplored the persistence of abuse and violence against children, citing cases of trafficking, sexual violence, murder and mistreatment often perpetrated by relatives. “ It is a stain on the conscience of our nation “, he said, recalling the need for increased support for families and social measures aimed at better protecting the most vulnerable.
On this National Children’s Day, he encouraged the South African population to redouble their efforts to ensure a peaceful and fulfilling childhood for every child. “ Together, we can build a better future for our country’s children, giving them the love, safety and support they deserve »,he concluded.
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