OAU stresses need of doubling commitment to protection of African children

Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Secretary General Salem Ahmed Salem stressed the necessity of doubling the commitment to the protection of African children and exerting utmost efforts to eradicate violations of children's rights and any abuses against them.

In a speech delivered on Saturday on the occasion of the African Child Day, Salem said that families and communities should shoulder their responsibility in order to guarantee protection for children.

Also, the political leaders, civil community, scholars, private sector and unions have to help provide education, health care to the African children, Salem added.

OAU chief called for crystallising the joint African stance adopted during the four-day Pan-African Forum on the future of children, which was held in Cairo on May 28-31.

The forum was concluded by declaration of a working plan which represent Africa's contribution to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) special session on child to be held in New York on September 19-21, he added.

Among the huge challenges facing Africa nowadays, Salem said, is the increase of violations of and abuses against children's rights whether child trade or ill-using of children in wars, armed conflicts and other malpractices.