Goma, 24 July 2015: The commemoration of the African Child Day on 16 June gave rise to a month-long activism for child protection, initiated by MONUSCO with contributions from UNICEF and partner NGOs. The session was closed with sensitization and cultural activities organized by the Child Protection Section and the United Nations Mine Actions Service (UNMAS).

The theme selected to commemorate the event was “I am opposed to violence against children, more particularly girls and their conscription into armed groups; I am also opposed to the gross violations of their human rights, the use of the dangerous land mines devices which continue to afflict families.

On 18 June, UN Security Council adopted its 11th Resolution on children and armed conflicts, giving special attention to the child victims of war as top priority on the United Nations’ agenda and pushing for the establishment of child-friendly environment.

Substantial progress has been made by the DRC Government in the fight against the recruitment of children by rebel groups with support from MONUSCO in the area of protection. Every day, dozens children associated with negative forces escape and take refuge at MONUSCO military camps. With the help of our military personnel, relief operations are organized to assist those children in remotest areas. “They feel secure with MONUSCO while awaiting to be handed over to the appropriate institutions,” said Carline Allen, the head of Child Protection Section-Goma.

The Minister of Gender, Family and Culture of the North Kivu province, Adèle Bazizane Maheshe appealed to all the stakeholders to fully play their part in the prevention and protection of the victims and to continue to monitor and denounce all forms of violations of the children’s rights and bring the perpetrators to justice. “Please reject any call from armed groups to join them,” she told the children, and concluded her remarks by saying “we do need you to move forward humanity”.

Fathya Waberi
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Photos: Alain Kyalemaninwa Wandimoyi