It maintained that creating a safe and supportive environment for children living in street situations is essential.
By Archibong Jeremiah
In observance of the 2024 International Day for Street Children, marked every year on April 12th, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative and The Coalition of Youth Serving NGOs and Individuals have called on governments to take critical steps towards supporting millions of children living and working on the streets worldwide. This year’s theme, “Embracing Belonging,” highlights the importance of acknowledging these children as integral members of society and ensuring their rights and well-being are protected.
The organizations issued a press release on Thursday ahead of the event and it is signed by Prof. Eka Ikpi Braide and Mrs. Eseoghene Edoja-Ibor emphasizing the need for governments to prioritize policies and initiatives that promote equality and non-discrimination. This includes implementing laws and regulations that protect the rights of all children, regardless of their socio-economic background or living situation.
It maintained that creating a safe and supportive environment for children living in street situations is essential. Governments should collaborate with local authorities and organizations to provide shelters, counseling services, and legal aid to protect these vulnerable children from exploitation, abuse, and violence.
“Governments should prioritize policies and initiatives that promote equality and non-discrimination. This includes implementing laws and regulations that protect the rights of all children, regardless of their socio-economic background or living situation.
“It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment for children living in street situations. Governments should collaborate with local authorities and organizations to provide shelters, counseling services, and legal aid to protect these vulnerable children from exploitation, abuse, and violence.
On access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and nutrition the release said “Every child has the right to access essential services such as education, healthcare, and nutrition. Governments should ensure that children in street situations have equal access to these services by removing barriers such as cost, distance, and discrimination.
In recognition of the unique needs and challenges faced by children in street situations, “governments should develop specialized programs and interventions tailored to their circumstances. These include outreach programs, vocational training, and rehabilitation services aimed at reintegrating these children into society.
Committing to do more the group said “On this International Day for Street Children, our commitment to building a world where every child, regardless of their background or circumstances be allowed to thrive and fulfill their potential, should be reaffirmed. By embracing a sense of belonging, we stand in solidarity with these children towards a fairer and more compassionate society.”
The International Day for Street Children allows everyone to reaffirm their commitment to building a world where every child, regardless of background or circumstances, can thrive and fulfill their potential. By embracing a sense of belonging, we stand in solidarity with these children towards a fairer and more compassionate society.