More investment needed to promote child rights in Botswana
| Thursday June 15, 2017 15:58
The level of poverty, conflicts and injustice in African countries put the future of many children in jeopardy; children without parental care or at risk of losing it are the most vulnerable and face a heightened risk of violence, abuse, and neglect. With so many challenges, their development is stunted, which hampers their future. They cannot grow up to become self-reliant and active citizens. Statistics show that there are over 80 000 orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana.
“We call on governments to put the inherent rights of children high on their political agenda and take commitment to provide the resources required to support children with quality care and the protection needed for their safety and security as provided by the African charter of child rights. The long term impact of these measures can help address the rising issues of radicalisation, migration and unemployment on the continent and thus, help countries to better provide quality care for their children,” said Motshwari Kitso, National Director.
As we mark, the Day of the African Children, focusing on accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunity by 2030, SOS Children’s Villages will focus on the most vulnerable children who are at the heart of its Strategy 2030, with the central message: ‘No child should grow up alone’. The strategy directly relates to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in key areas such as poverty, inequality, education, health, social and child safeguarding, and decent work.
“To make the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 a reality, scaling-up access to education, health care and equal opportunity cannot wait. More importantly, we need to invest on children today, if they are counted, we can know how many of them are most vulnerable and at risk,” says [local spokesperson/director]. “Every African child deserves quality care and to grow up in a safe environment.”
About SOS Children’s Villages
Children who are orphaned and abandoned due to extreme poverty, natural disaster, pandemics, and family disintegration are amongst the world’s most vulnerable children. For 30 years, SOS Children’s Villages Botswana has been working tirelessly to ensure these children have a family, a community and a promise of a brighter future. Together with our supporters, we work to prevent family breakdown and care for children who have lost parental care, or who risk losing it. We work with communities, partners and the state to ensure that the rights of all children, in every society, are respected and fulfilled.
* For more information, please visit: www.sos-childrenvillages.org
For more information or interviews, please contact: Agnes Malanda
SOS Children’s Villages Botswana