Ministers in Charge of Children Affairs Endorse the IGAD Child Policy Framework

Ministers responsible for Children’s Affairs from IGAD Member States have officially endorsed the IGAD Child Policy Framework, marking a significant milestone in advancing child welfare and safeguarding children’s rights across the region.

The Ministerial Conference, held on 13 December 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, followed a two-day regional workshop. During the workshop, technical experts from IGAD Member States specialising in children and family affairs, internal affairs, and foreign affairs validated the draft IGAD Child Policy Framework.

In a joint communiqué signed by the Ministers, Member States committed to a range of actions, including the development and enforcement of comprehensive children’s acts, national child policies, action plans, and strategies. They also pledged to:

• Ensure meaningful participation of children in designing and implementing child rights initiatives,
• Raise awareness among stakeholders about the IGAD Child Policy Framework and its importance, and
• Strengthen child rights programming within the IGAD Secretariat.

The Ministerial meeting was chaired by H.E. Mouna Osman Aden, Minister of Women and Family Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti, and hosted by H.E. Dr Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The conference also welcomed Hon. Dr Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, and H.E. Aya Benjamin Libo, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare of the Republic of South Sudan. Other notable participants included Mr Mwambi Mongare, Director of Children Services from Kenya, and Ms Fatuma Mohamed Ali, Director of Children and Family Affairs from Somalia, alongside child representatives from Member States and humanitarian and development partners.

Mme Fathia Alwan, Director of Health and Social Development at the IGAD Secretariat, representing IGAD Executive Secretary H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, lauded Member States for adopting a robust regional child policy. She emphasised that this framework would empower countries to meet international and regional obligations while advancing child-sensitive initiatives. Mme Alwan urged Member States to develop national action plans, implementation strategies, and effective monitoring and evaluation systems.

H.E. Dr Ergogie Tesfaye highlighted the collective commitment demonstrated by the policy’s endorsement, calling it a testament to the region’s dedication to safeguarding children’s rights, dignity, and wellbeing. “The wellbeing of children is not just a moral obligation but a cornerstone of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity,” she remarked.

Ms Dragana Strinic, Country Director of Save the Children in Ethiopia, commended the inclusive consultative process, particularly the involvement of children. “The child participants were articulate, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges they face and proposing bold, actionable solutions to create meaningful change,” she noted.

Representing the children, Ekram Siraj, a Child Parliamentarian from Ethiopia, called for a multidimensional approach to address diverse child rights issues across the region. She emphasised the need for strict enforcement of laws against harmful child labour, trafficking, sexual abuse, and exploitation, particularly in domestic settings. Ekram also urged for children’s involvement in implementing the policy, stating that “strategies shaped by children’s lived experiences are more relevant and impactful.”

The IGAD Child Policy Framework provides a roadmap for the IGAD Secretariat and Member States to promote the rights and welfare of children across the region. It prioritises seven key intervention areas: Child Protection, Health and Nutrition, Education, Social Protection, Justice, Peace and Security, Child Participation, and Environment, Climate Change, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).

In collaboration with Save the Children, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and other international partners, IGAD has undertaken extensive consultations with national stakeholders and children across Member States to ensure the policy is both inclusive and actionable.