Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Africa's Children Left in the Cold by Policy Neglect

Feb 17 , 2024
By Dereje Wordofa (PhD)

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In a striking call to action, a report commissioned by the African Union (AU) has unveiled a distressing reality. No less than 35 million children in Africa, bereft of parental care, are being systematically overlooked by national child protection policies. This revelation, stemming from a comprehensive study conducted by a Committee of Experts on the Rights & Welfare of the Child, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for African leaders to reconsider their approach to child welfare and protection.

Africa, a continent on the brink of a demographic boom with half of its population under 18, is at a critical juncture. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) projects that the continent's child population could reach one billion by 2055, positioning it as the largest child demographic home globally.

This demographic trend presents an unparalleled opportunity for growth and transformation, contingent on the ability of states and governments to implement comprehensive measures to care for and protect all children. The realisation of this demographic dividend hinges on a paradigm shift towards investing in the welfare of the youngest members of society, especially those in precarious situations such as the absence of parental care.

The findings of the study, which spanned over two years beginning in 2020 and included data from more than 43 African countries, paint a grim picture of the current state of child protection across the continent. It found that children without parental care — those separated from their families due to various crises, including conflict, disease, and poverty — are particularly vulnerable to a range of violent acts, including neglect, street violence, sexual abuse, forced labour, and trafficking.

These children, invisible in national data and consequently in policymaking processes, are deprived of essential services and protections that could significantly alter their life trajectories for the better. The repercussions of such neglect extend beyond the individual lives of these children, posing broader socio-economic and developmental challenges to communities and nations at large.

The study also reveals a disconcerting reality that more than 70pc of countries across various regions in Africa lack explicit and comprehensive child protection policy frameworks and guidance. This gap signifies a substantial oversight in the protection and care provisions for children without parental care, indicating a pressing need for policy reform across the continent.

The report serves not only as a baseline for understanding the current state of children without parental care but also as a call to action for governments, policymakers, and organisations to prioritise the inclusion of these children in their data-collection efforts and policymaking processes. A multifaceted approach is necessary.

By making these children visible in national data, specific needs can be identified, and targeted policies and programs can be developed to address those needs effectively. This can be achieved through the inclusion of relevant questions in surveys, census forms, and administrative databases. Encouraging collaboration among government agencies, non-profit organisations, and academic institutions is essential for gathering and analysing data on children without parents or at risk of losing parental care. Such collaborative efforts can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the issue, inform decision-making, and promote the effective implementation of policies and programs.

With accurate data as a foundation, policymakers can then design and implement targeted interventions that cater to the unique needs of these children. Raising awareness among the public, policymakers, and stakeholders about the systemic challenges children without parental care face is also crucial for mobilising support and drawing attention to their cause. Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms is necessary to ensure that the policies and programs implemented are effective in improving the lives of these children.

It is incumbent upon African heads of state and their governments to heed the findings of the report and take decisive action to protect all children, especially those living under vulnerable conditions. The responsibility to implement child protection policies and create a nurturing environment for every child lies squarely with the leaders of the continent. The evidence presented by the report provides a clear mandate for action, highlighting the need for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the children who have lost parental care.

A meaningful paradigm shift is required in how African countries conceptualise, invest in, and implement strategies to address the needs of children without parental care. By embracing a holistic approach that respects and understands each child's unique needs, African countries can promote an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. The implementation of comprehensive child protection policies, informed by accurate data and grounded in collaboration, is essential for achieving the "Africa We Want" - a continent where the rights and welfare of all children are upheld, and their potential is fully realised.

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PUBLISHED ON Feb 17,2024 [ VOL 24 , NO 1242]

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