The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion has called upon Rwandans to always strive to protect and promote the rights of children.

Dr Jean d’Arc Mujawamariya, who was addressing a press conference ahead of the Day of the African Child, also called on the media fraternity to take the lead in fighting against violation of children’s rights, such as child labour, by working with government institutions.

"I encourage every individual to always sensitize and mobilize the public in this fight to uphold the rights of the children,” she said.

She also encouraged parents to take up to the use of family planning methods. According to the minister, the national celebrations of the International Day of the African Child will be marked in Muhanga District today.

The District was selected to host the event because it has done very well in improving children’s rights compared to other districts.

This year’s theme is "Planning and budgeting for the wellbeing of the child with children: a collective responsibility”.

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