Stakeholders have sounded the alarm over persistent cases of child neglect, abuse, and violations of rights across Africa, despite the progress made over the years.

As Kenyans joined the rest of the continent to mark the Day of the African Child which is commemorated annually on June 16 in honour of the 1976 Soweto Uprising where hundreds of children were killed during a protest against apartheid in South Africa, experts and child welfare advocates on Monday June 16, 2025, painted a grim picture of the situation in many African countries, particularly in war-torn regions.

They noted with concern that children continue to suffer devastating consequences including psychological trauma, displacement, recruitment into armed groups, disruption of education, and heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and death.

Speaking to journalists, Prof. Peter Wanderi, the Principal Corporate Services at Mount Kenya University called for concerted efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for children, particularly in education and healthcare.

Wanderi expressed concern over the increasing impact of climate change on African children, highlighting how environmental changes have deepened the challenges children face.

He cited rising cases of displacement due to floods and droughts, water and food insecurity, and increased health risks as consequences of climate-related crises.

The stakeholders at the same time emphasized the growing threats children face in the digital space.

Dr. Daniel Oloo, a university lecturer, noted that while technology has opened doors for learning and communication, it has also exposed children to new forms of abuse.

He added that while laws and policies exist to protect children, enforcement remains a significant challenge and called for strengthened cooperation among governments, civil society, and academic institutions to provide safer spaces for children to grow and thrive.

Stella Chao, a university student and children’s rights advocate decried the negative impact of conflicts across the continent on the socio-economic development of children.

She urged leaders and policymakers to invest in empowerment programs that educate children about their rights and equip them with life skills.