Gov’t should follow up on orphanages-activists

Child rights’ activists who have been meeting in Kigali have called upon government to join hands with civil society organizations and follow up on the welfare of children in foster families and orphanages. The call was made at the end of a three day meeting for child activists aimed at having one voice in ensuring better welfare for all children. The call comes at a time when some orphanages have been accused of violating children’s rights. During the workshop the activists acknowledged that civil society organizations (CSO’s) have not been actively engaged in the issues of children’s rights. The participants agreed to create a national forum of civil society organizations by sharing experiences and best practices and strengthen their operating capacity. Speaking at the closure of the workshop, Ambassador Eugene Munyakayanza the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the forum came at a time when the government supports public and private partnership to ensure participation in achieving maximum results. “These past three days clearly demonstrated national commitment and accountability to the rights and welfare of children,” said Munyakayanza Child activists further pledged to speed up the draft law that would allow jurists in civil society to represent orphans and other vulnerable children in the courts of law. Ends