Rwanda has been ranked as a child-friendly country, ranked on the 11th position among the continent’s 52 countries. The report released on the Universal Day of the Child last month ranks 52 African countries using an index of more than 40 indicators. And it finds that some of the poorest nations are the most child-friendly while some of the wealthier African nations fail to protect their children against exploitation and harmful traditional practices. Rwanda was in the 11th position, followed by Burkina Faso. Guinea Bissau was considered the worst country for children. Mauritius and Namibia are rated the most child friendly nations in Africa others include Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, South Africa and Algeria. The report shows that in the East African region, Rwanda comes second to Kenya while Uganda is 21st. The least child-friendly governments are Guinea-Bissau (52), Eritrea (51), Central African Republic (50), Gambia (49), Sao Tome and Principe (48), Liberia (47), Chad (46), Swaziland (45), Guinea (44) and Comoros (43). The report finds that the top investors in children’s health are four low-income countries - Burkina Faso (15.3 percent), Rwanda (16.5 percent), Liberia (20.1 percent) and Malawi (28.8 percent). The report cited infant mortality, education, orphans, violence, children with disabilities and legal protection as the major issues African governments should address. Speaking at the just concluded, National Children’s Summit, President Paul Kagame called for involvement of children in matters that affect the nation saying that as tomorrow’s leaders, they ought to be exposed to these issues at an early age. The President highlighted the country’s emphasis on the rights of children, through education and protection from any forms of violence. Ends
