NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Sunday marked the Day of the African Child with renewed pledge to strengthen protection of minors amid threats like physical abuse, neglect and forced labor.
The government is committed to improving the welfare of children in line with constitutional obligations, Ukur Yatani, cabinet secretary for labor and social protection, said in a statement.
"The government continues to apply the principle of 'children's rights first,' particularly the right to life, survival, development and non-discrimination," Yatani said.
He called on African governments, corporations and the civil society to prioritize protection of junior citizens from dangers linked to human actions and natural calamities.
The theme of this year's Day of the African Child, "Humanitarian Action in Africa: Children's Rights First," seeks to rally governments and communities toward robust commitment to the welfare of young ones.
Kenya has domesticated international best practices to ensure that children's livelihoods are improved through universal access to basic education, health, shelter and proper diet, Yatani said.
"The welfare of children has greatly improved through programs the government has been implementing," he said. "More children have enrolled in school since we started the free primary and subsidized secondary education."
Children Bill 2008, which has ensured protection of minors from abuse and discrimination, is strengthened from the grassroots to national level, Yatani said.
"We wish to reaffirm Kenya's commitment in protecting children rights at all times, including in emergency situations as stipulated in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child," he said.
Yatani said the government has developed guidelines on alternative care for missing children to ensure they are nurtured in a safe environment.
"We are further developing guidelines on online child protection to address all forms of online child abuse," he said.
The Day of the African Child is observed on June 16 to commemorate the massacre of hundreds of protesting children of color by Apartheid security forces in South Africa in 1976.
Joyce Ngugi, chairperson of National Council for Children Services, urged concerted efforts to protect vulnerable minors like orphans and those living in regions affected by conflicts and natural disasters.
"Investing in children, especially in areas prone to floods, community conflicts and other emergency disaster situations, will go a long way in ensuring they are safeguarded and protected," Ngugi said.
