 Every year on June 16, Africa comes together to celebrate the Day of the African Child (DAC), a powerful moment of remembrance, reflection, and renewed commitment to the rights and well-being of children across the continent. The DAC was established in 1991 by the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) to commemorate the tragic events of June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa. On that day, thousands of schoolchildren took to the streets to protest the poor quality of education and the imposition of Afrikaans as the language of instruction. The peaceful demonstration turned deadly when hundreds of children were brutally killed by apartheid forces. This day now serves as a tribute to their courage and a rallying point for child rights advocacy across Africa.
More than just a remembrance, the Day of the African Child is a platform to spotlight the challenges and opportunities African children face today. Each year, a theme is chosen in consultation with children themselves to ensure their voices are central to the conversation. The theme for the 2025 Day of the African Child is ‘Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress since 2010. The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) develops a concept note to guide celebrations and policy discussions around the chosen theme. Celebrations happen at both national and continental levels, involving: Governments, Child-led and youth organizations, NGOs and civil society groups and International stakeholders. These gatherings include inter-generational dialogues, training on children’s rights, and discussions aimed at influencing policies and driving legislative changes. At the end of the continental celebrations, an outcome statement is adopted to guide further action. The DAC is more than a commemorative event, it is a powerful advocacy tool. It shines a light on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, promoting its implementation and reminding all stakeholders of their role in creating a better future for Africa’s children. Each year, it prompts a sober reflection on progress made and the road ahead. It calls for real change from better education and health services to stronger child protection systems. The Day of the African Child is a reminder that children are not only the future of Africa, they are its present. Their voices, dreams, and rights must be at the heart of every decision we make. Let this day be more than a memory; let it be a movement for lasting change. Source: African Committee of Experts on the Right and Welfare of the Child
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