On World Children's Day, the Child Protection section of MONUSCO, in collaboration with the Goma Children's Parliament and civil society association networks, organized a day of reflection dedicated to strengthening child protection in conflict zones and promoting the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This commemorative day recalls the adoption on November 20, 1989, of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, a foundational text that has transformed the way the world views childhood. In his opening speech, Gani Are, head of the MONUSCO Goma office, emphasized the significance of this date: "November 20 is not an ordinary date. It marks the adoption of a fundamental instrument that imposes concrete obligations" he stated.

Together, changing lives

Held under the theme "My Day, My Rights" this gathering brought together 38 participants, including 17 women, from civil society organizations, youth and women's associations, as well as children's clubs and the Goma Children's Parliament.

Discussions focused on several crucial themes: preventing the recruitment of children by armed groups, combating serious violations, strengthening early warning systems in conflict-affected areas, and implementing recommendations from the Beni interprovincial workshop on child protection.

At the end of the discussions, participants committed to supporting the implementation of the UN-DRC Joint Action Plan aimed at eliminating child recruitment; establishing an information-sharing mechanism to prevent serious violations; and fulfilling their responsibilities regarding the prevention of sexual violence and forced recruitment. These commitments illustrate the complementarity and coordination between MONUSCO and local actors, in accordance with the Security Council mandate for the protection of children in armed conflicts.

For a world where every child grows up in peace

In his closing remarks, Mathieu Ndongo Koni, head of MONUSCO's Child Protection section, praised the participants' involvement and the relevance of the discussions: "This day was not just a commemoration, but a space for work and action. The recommendations from your work are our roadmap for the coming months. Together, we can build an environment where the rights of every child are respected, protected, and valued. This is not a utopian ideal; it is a responsibility."

As part of its capacity-building mission, MONUSCO's Child Protection section shared practical tools on early warning systems and case management for children affected by conflicts. It also invited local organizations to strengthen their community engagement in preventing serious violations. This initiative directly contributes to the implementation of Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflicts.