Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA: Member countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, on Friday endorsed the IGAD Child Policy Framework, aiming to promote the protection of children’s rights across the region.
The IGAD Child Policy Framework was adopted by ministers in charge of children’s affairs from IGAD member countries during a ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopian on Friday.
Addressing the high-level meeting, Ergogie Tesfaye, Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, emphasized that the adoption of the IGAD child policy framework represents a significant milestone in the region’s unified commitment to promoting and safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of children.
“Today, we convey with a unified understanding that children are architects of our future. Their wellbeing is not merely a moral obligation, but a fundamental pillar for sustainable development, peace and prosperity,” she said.
Recognizing that children make up over 47 percent of the region’s population, the ministers highlighted that the newly adopted policy will enable countries to better fulfill their international and regional commitments, and facilitate the implementation of child-sensitive initiatives that can positively influence the lives of children throughout the region.
Djibouti’s Minister of Women and Family, Mouna Osman Aden, stated that the policy framework will enhance the implementation of existing national child policy instruments. She emphasized that the regional policy will harmonize collective efforts, ultimately ensuring the protection of children’s rights.
In a joint communique released at the conclusion of the ministerial meeting, the ministers emphasized the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities that children in the region face, particularly in situations of conflict, poverty, emergencies, climate change, violence, exploitation, inequality, discrimination, irregular migration, and displacement.
They further expressed concern over the challenges facing children, calling for meaningful participation of children in decisions and initiatives that directly affect their lives at both national and regional levels.
Fathia Alwan, Director of Health and Social Development at IGAD, said the regional child policy framework is central to the bloc’s goal of enhancing regional cooperation and integration while promoting peace, social well-being, and economic development.
“We recognize that achieving these goals requires sustained investment in our children and youth—the foundation of our region’s future,” Alwan said, adding that the adoption of the policy “underscores our collective commitment to prioritizing the rights of children in our region.”
She said the adoption of the IGAD child policy will serve as a cornerstone for ensuring that children across the region enjoy the highest standards of protection, assistance, and participation, in harmony with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Calling upon IGAD member states and development partners to work collectively in fostering an environment where children’s rights are upheld and their aspirations realized, the ministers endorsed the policy framework, underscoring their shared commitment to its implementation.
South Sudan’s Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Aya Benjamin Libo, on her part, underscored that the newly endorsed child policy framework provides strategic regional guidance and will enhance the child rights agenda on a wider regional level.
She said the policy envisions to strengthen political will and commitment of national governments towards the realization of children’s rights.
