CHRAJ Commemorates ‘Day of the African Child’ on June 16 On June 16, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) joined the African Union and the rest of the continent in commemorating the ‘Day of the African Child.’ Established in 1991 by the Organization of African Unity, the day serves as a reminder of the Soweto Uprising of 1976, where hundreds of young black students were massacred by the apartheid regime of South Africa. During the commemoration, CHRAJ emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of all children in Africa. The Commission highlighted the following key issues: * Child Labor: CHRAJ condemned the persistent problem of child labor, calling for its immediate eradication. It urged governments, employers, and civil society organizations to work together to ensure that children are not subjected to exploitative and hazardous work. * Child Abuse and Violence: The Commission expressed concern over the alarming rates of child abuse and violence across Africa. It stressed the need for comprehensive measures to prevent, report, and address all forms of violence against children. * Education and Health: CHRAJ emphasized the critical role of education and health in ensuring the well-being of children. It called for increased investment in these sectors to ensure that every child has access to quality education and healthcare. * Child Participation: The Commission acknowledged the importance of children’s participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives. It encouraged the creation of platforms where children can voice their opinions and actively contribute to shaping their future. In addition, CHRAJ urged all stakeholders to prioritize the needs of children and work towards creating a conducive environment for their growth and development. The Commission called for collective action to ensure that every child in Africa has the opportunity to reach their full potential and live a life free from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice Calls for Increased Budget Allocations for Education in GhanaThe Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice Calls for Increased Budget Allocations for Education in Ghana Accra, Ghana, June 16, 2024 – The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) joins the world in commemorating the 2024 Day of the African Child (DAC). This year’s theme, “Education for all Africa’s children: now is the time,” underscores the need for urgent action to address the educational challenges facing children in Ghana and across the continent. The CHRAJ is deeply concerned by the high number of out-of-school children in Ghana, as reported by the 2021 population and housing census. The census revealed that over 1.2 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 are not enrolled in school. Furthermore, the Commonwealth Global Youth Development Index Report 2023 ranked Ghana’s education system 125th out of 183 countries, highlighting the need for significant improvements. The CHRAJ commends the government and the Ministry of Education for their efforts to ensure the right to education in Ghana, including policies such as the Free Universal Compulsory Basic Education (fCUBE), the Free Secondary School (FSHS), and the School Feeding Program. However, the CHRAJ notes that substantial gaps remain, including inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and poor sanitation facilities in many schools. The CHRAJ urges the government and the Ministry of Education to prioritize the provision of quality education for all children by increasing budget allocations for necessary reforms. These reforms should include eliminating cost implications for parents, improving school infrastructure, and providing adequate teacher training and resources. Furthermore, the CHRAJ emphasizes the need to address social norms that hinder children’s access to education, such as child marriage and child labor. The DAC was established in 1991 to commemorate the Soweto uprising in South Africa, where students marched for the right to quality education. The CHRAJ reaffirms its commitment to protecting the right to education for all children in Ghana through advocacy and law enforcement mechanisms. By investing in education, Ghana can empower its children and contribute to the development of a more just and prosperous society.The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) commemorated the ‘Day of the African Child’ on June 16, 2023, under the theme “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013.” The event aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by African children and to advocate for the eradication of all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation against children. The commemoration included a symposium moderated by the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal, CSJ, and presentations from representatives of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Police Service. During the symposium, the speakers highlighted the progress made in Ghana in addressing harmful practices against children, such as the enactment of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560) and the establishment of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). However, they also emphasized the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of harmful practices, such as poverty, discrimination, and gender inequality. The commemoration also featured a cultural performance by children from the Osu Children’s Home, who showcased their talents in dance, drama, and music. In his closing remarks, Commissioner Whittal urged all stakeholders to work together to create a safe and conducive environment for African children to grow and develop. He called on the government, civil society organizations, and the media to play a proactive role in addressing harmful practices against children and promoting their rights. The ‘Day of the African Child’ is commemorated annually on June 16 to mark the massacre of hundreds of schoolchildren in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976, who were protesting against the apartheid regime’s inferior education system.