Child rights convention silver jubilee celebrations kick off

Celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the Child Rights Convention (CRC) in Rwanda started yesterday with both public and non-governmental organisations showcasing best practices for advanced child rights and protection. Among the best practices highlighted include the gradual phasing out of orphanages in the country which is geared at protecting children rights. Minister Gasinzigwa (C) officiate at the Child Right Convention celebrations at Petit Stade yesterday. (Doreen Umutesi). Launching the celebrations at Petit Stade Remera, Oda Gasinzigwa, the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, urged partners to take part in the upcoming 10th National Children Summit scheduled for November 20 at the Parliamentary Buildings in Kigali. “Twenty years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, we are celebrating the progress made and mapping out the best ways to protect and promote the rights of children. There is much to be celebrated considering the tremendous progress registered in sectors such as health, education and social security. It is also time to look back and devise strategies to move ahead,” Gasinzigwa said. Noala Skinner, UNICEF Country Representative, spoke of Rwanda‘s active promotion of children’s rights. (Doreen Umutesi) More than 500 children from across the country and some from the East African Community partner states will participate in the 10th National Children Summit. The summit is running under the theme; “20 years and Beyond: Advancing child rights in Rwanda.” The annual forum was first organised in 2004 with the aim of creating rights awareness among children while enlightening them on their responsibilities. A child plays a unique piano at the Petit Stade during the celebrations of Child Rights Convention.(Doreen Umutesi) Speaking at the event, Noala Skinner, Unicef country Representative, said the country has delivered good results on equity and accountability of children. “There is a national priority in the promotion of children’s rights. The child care system in Rwanda gives a child the right to interact with their peers. While marking the Child Rights Convention silver anniversary, we have so much to celebrate,” Skinner said. Children who attended the event were given books to read. (Doreen Umutesi) The National Children’s summit is organised by the National Commission for Children (NCC) in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, provinces and the City of Kigali, Unicef, Global Communities, Plan Rwanda and CHF International.

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Child rights convention silver jubilee celebrations kick off