We insist on promoting exchange and cooperation between state and civil society for action which is reciprocal, responsible and sustainable. It is thereby crucial to include everyone involved.
To this end, our projects intervene on these axes:
In this manner, children and young people take part actively according to their age and maturity.
We are active for children whose situation is not at the center of international media coverage.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was passed on November 20th 1989 and ratified by all states except the U.S. and
Somalia. It is the first worldwide, cross-national treaty which deals solely with child protection. The focus is on the child as a person with fundamental rights who needs protection and is not just
an ‘object’ of help. This approach has changed the perception and status of children and has led to new, rights-based action for the protection of children and adolescents.
The African Charter for the Rights and Welfare of the Child additionally considers regional, cultural and social aspects particular to Africa. This charter was agreed on by
the Conference of the Heads of State and Government on July 11th 1990. It came into effect in November 1999 and has been ratified by 45 African states since. It grants children the same rights as the
CRC but at the same time highlights their duties in society.
Despite much progress, the rights established in the CRC and the ACRWC are only respected to an unsatisfactory degree in most countries, particularly in Africa. Often, there is a lack of proficiency
and resources to implement these basic human rights.
Picture above: children and youth become active to restaure peace in their communities in the Far North region of Cameroon. © ALDEPA