By: Goshu Melisew
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has introduced a draft Regional Child Policy aimed at improving the welfare and rights of children across East Africa.
The policy aims to harmonize efforts across member states. The framework supports commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter.
Representatives from member states and key stakeholders have gathered in Addis Ababa for a high-level ministerial conference to deliberate on the IGAD Child Policy Framework.
"The idea of creating a regional framework to set common standards for protecting the rights and well-being of migrant and refugee children emerged during the Intertek roadmap meeting. The policy development process was recently launched through national and children’s consultations. Despite the tight timelines, this stands as one of the fastest policy development processes within IGAD and beyond.” highlighted Dr. Victoria Anib head, IGAD Health and social Development.
State Minister for Women and Social Affairs, Higma Kiredin, highlighted Ethiopia's commitment to working with IGAD member states to develop a unified child protection policy framework, aimed at achieving common goals.
"By implementing this policy, we are taking a clear step to coordinate efforts, exchange best practices, and promote cooperation in protecting children's rights. Ethiopia looks forward to working with you to integrate the child protection policy framework into national policies and address shared concerns.", Hikma underscored.
Save the Children has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to support IGAD in this vital endeavor, said Dragana Strinic, Country Director of Save the Children.
“Save the children reaffirms its unwavering commitment to support IGAD and its member states in this vital endeavor through advocacy, capacity building and programmatic interventions. We will continue to champion child protection and promote holistic, right-based approaches to addressing the needs of the most marginalized and vulnerable children. " the director noted
In line with its mission to promote peace, economic growth, and social development, IGAD has prioritized integrating child-sensitive approaches within its policies and programs.
The IGAD Secretariat emphasized that the policy-making process included consultations with children and national stakeholders, ensuring their voices were integral to shaping the framework. "Engaging children in the process underscores IGAD’s commitment to creating policies that truly reflect the realities they face," a statement from IGAD noted.
This initiative seeks to strengthen child protection systems and address the challenges faced by children across its eight member states: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda.
The policy is expected to be approved in the presence of ministers from member states on December 13, 2024.