Unicef calls for help for 13.5m uprooted children in Africa

AT LEAST 13.5 million uprooted children in Africa need strengthened national actions as well as regional and international co-operation to uphold their rights and help them fulfil their potential, the Unicef said on Saturday.

Ahead of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – taking place yesterday and today –Unicef urged AU leaders to work together to address the negative drivers of irregular migration and respond to the needs of uprooted children across the continent.

“The majority of African migrants move within Africa, and while much of this movement of people is normal and regular, negative root causes remain major drivers of irregular migration across the continent,” said Unicef executive director Henrietta Fore.

“Each day, children and families facing the ravages of violence, poverty or climate change make the painful decision to leave their homes in search of safety and a more hopeful future.

“Addressing these root causes will help reduce the need for families and children to leave in the first place.”

Nearly one in four migrants in Africa is a child, more than twice the global average, and 59% of the 6.8 million refugees in African countries are children, according to official files.

At the summit, the AU is set to launch the Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons – a regional effort to support those driven away from their homes by conflict and violence, persecution, climate change, poverty and lack of educational opportunities.

In addition to addressing migration’s negative drivers, Unicef called on African governments to implement policies and programmes to protect, empower and invest in refugees as well as migrant and displaced children. “At the summit, AU leaders have a tremendous opportunity to show the world a better way by strengthening protection and support for uprooted children.” |