Families are called upon to resist employing children as house workers since it is offence punishable by the law. The call was made by Honorable MUKABARAMBA Alivera, State Minister in Charge of Social Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government at the launching ceremony of the week marking the 23rd Day of the African Child (DAC), International Day of Families and the Day to fight Against Child Labour held on Sunday 16th June 2013 in Mudende sector, Rubavu District.

The Day of the African child (DAC) is commemorated every year on 16th June by all member states of the African Union (AU) in commemoration of the South African Children who were killed in 1976 in the struggle for their rights. However, the government of Rwanda combines celebrations of the above mentioned events themed “Advancing Social integration in the family, eliminating domestic child labor affecting children” in order to achieve tangible results through pooled efforts of all relevant partners. The theme calls upon different stakeholders to work together to strengthen families and protect children from any kind of harm.

This event attracted many children, parents, non-government organizations, District and other government officials. Devota, president of the District children’s forum thanked the government for the platform it has provided to children and support in different activities all aiming at protecting and promoting children rights. She also pledged the commitment of children in fulfilling their obligations such as maintaining good hygiene, education, respecting and obeying their parents among others.

In her speech, the guest of honor, Honorable MUKABARAMBA Alivera, said that children are the dream of the country hence should be protected from any form of harm that violates their fundamental rights.

Honorable MUKABARAMBA Alivera giving her speech

She also emphasized that the family is the cornerstone of peace and development meaning that when the family is empowered, children also live well. This can be through the Rwandan cultural values like Umugorobaw’Ababyeyi where parents share experiences and solve conflicts amicably, family planning, community based childcare, and family performance contracts locally known as Imihigo. Violence in families is the major cause of children abandonment, neglect, school drop outs, street children etc.

There are a number of activities organized during this week prominent ones include launching of children leadership clubs in schools, Child Care Open Day where National Commission for Children (NCC) with its partners involved in child rights interventions will exhibit their activities among others. The celebrations to mark the closure of this week’s events will be held at Petit Amahoro Stadium in Gasabo District on 23/06/2013.

Devota giving her speech

Children entertaining the participants

Children acting in their drama play simulating different forms of child labor

Ends