UNICEF Hand Over 'Children & Young People's Agenda'

UNICEF Tanzania supported the launch of the Children and Young People’s Agenda that was handed over to key stakeholders during the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC@30) and World Children’s Day (WCD) in Dar es Salaam on 20 November. The event was graced by the former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Alli Hassan Mwinyi, and Hon. Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, Deputy Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children.

The Agenda is a compilation of the views of over 600 children and young people involved in the consultations and nearly 50,000 through the SMS-based U-Report platform. The Fema magazine that reaches about 5 million people, was also used to sensitize children and young people on child rights and responsibilities.

The Agenda discusses challenges children and young people face related to education, health, child protection and participation, as well as the opportunities they see for themselves to lead the change and make a difference at home, in their schools and their communities. The commemoration was an opportunity for children to discuss their recommendations and Agenda with key stakeholders - which resulted in a signed pledge by the Government, media editors, Interfaith leaders, members of Parliament, development partners, online influencers and celebrities, and the private sector.

In his remarks, former President H. E. Mwinyi commended children and young people for speaking up on their rights and outlining their own responsibilities in ensuring they find a solutions: “I am very encouraged to hear not just challenges, but that children and young people know that their rights come with responsibility and they recognize their role in fulfilling the Agenda.”

The UNICEF acting Representative Rene Van Dongen commended Tanzania for the great progress in advancing children rights since the country ratified the convention in 1991. He urged all stakeholders to reflect on what children and young people are saying and reaffirm their commitment to advance the rights of children in the country.

On his side, Dr Ndugulile assured the children and young people that their agenda is endorsed by the Government and all their recommendations are going to be worked on. “We have listened to you and we promise to work on your recommendations. The government is committed to continue to address all challenges facing children in the country including the issue of violence against children which is indeed a problem in our country,” he stressed.

As part of the commemoration, famous musician Mimi Mars launched a special song entitled “Watoto Tuwalinde” that she composed for children of Tanzania and in line with CRC@30 anniversary and six iconic buildings joined the global Go Blue campaign as a symbol to support children’s rights. The buildings that went blue on 19th November at night, the eve of WCD are the EU - Umoja House, Canadian High Commission, National Microfinance Bank HQ (NMB), National Housing Corporation HQ (NHC), UN Compound and the UNICEF office.