Aurelia David
The 20th November marked World Children’s Day, commemorated on the anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1989.
The UNCRC was written to make a list of all the human rights that belong to children.
Commemorations and internationally recognised days always serve as an opportunity for those responsible for the well-being of children to introspect and assess the progress made regarding the rights of the child.
When it comes to the protection and awareness of children’s rights, it is important to realise that parents and caretakers need the education as much as the children do, especially since children are mostly not able to grasp information pertaining to laws, and especially in the African context, where many children still lack a voice.
A comprehensive foundation for upholding and improving children’s rights is provided by the UNCRC and other international agreements. Governments, communities and individuals must collaborate to guarantee that every child’s rights are upheld and safeguarded.
Namibia is making strides in the right direction in regard to the protection of children’s rights.
The children’s court that deals with cases arising under the Childcare and Protection Act 3 of 2015, Namibia’s main law on children, is a good example of this. The Children’s Advocate within the office of the Ombudsman ensures that children’s rights are upheld. This is done by monitoring the implementation of laws that are meant to protect children, investigation of complaints pertaining to the violation of children’s rights (of which 84 have been recorded in 2023) as well as awareness raising on children’s rights. The Children’s Advocate further proposes to the competent authorities, legal or other measures that may improve the status of children in Namibia.
Assisted by two legal officers and a social worker, the Children’s Advocate represents and defends children in terms of the provisions of the Childcare and Protection Act. These strides should, however, not deter us, as a country, from doing more and using our resources extensively to ensure the rights of all children in Namibia are protected, and that children’s rights violations are completely eradicated.
It is important to have international instruments, laws and organisations dedicated to the protection
of the rights of the child; however, the role of those closest to children should not be undervalued. Caregivers, parents, teachers and service providers in various sectors, such as health, safety and security, as well as social services, also have a part to play in ensuring that children’s rights are upheld. In the words of John Kennedy, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”.
Ideally, we should all be custodians of children’s rights.
*Aurelia David is a public relations officer at the Office of the Ombudsman.