On International Children’s Day, experts demand ongoing efforts to safeguard children's rights

In observance of International Children’s Day today, November 20, Dr Shaheda Omar, a child-protection expert and director of the Teddy Bear Clinic, stresses that the care and protection of children must be a continuous societal effort, not merely an annual event.

She reminds us that children have the right to education, health care, protection from harm and the chance to be heard in decisions that affect their lives.

"Children’s challenges in South Africa are rooted in systemic issues: poverty, violence, inequality, exploitation, inadequate services and the lingering impact of historical injustices. Addressing these requires continuous, coordinated action across families, communities, government and civil society," explains Omar.

Adding his perspective, Kobus Maree, a professor at the University of Pretoria, highlights that poverty is the number one challenge facing children today.

"Children growing up in poverty-stricken environments, and no one seems to care. That contributes to inequality, unequal and inadequate access to opportunities, healthcare and safety."

Maree notes that because of these issues, many children struggle to meet basic developmental milestones.

He adds: "There is also a lack of access to quality education at all levels, overcrowded classrooms, and schooling not taking place the way it should be. The most vulnerable, excluded, marginalised learners suffer the most. 

"In addition, mental health challenges are often linked to poverty ... A large number of children also experience violence in its most severe forms. There are so many things that's disempowering them. They simply can not catch up or stay abreast of changes in the world of learning or work."

"We need to ensure learners are safe and nurtured. We need to not talk and write about improving their well-being, but actually introduce and implement child centered policies is of utmost importance," says Maree.

To protect and promote children’s well-being, Omar has proposed several key steps:

• Strengthen families as the first Line of protection: Children thrive in safe and nurturing families. Society should provide support networks, parenting programmes, and mental-health assistance to caregivers.
• Create safe, violence-free communities: To combat high levels of community violence and bullying, safe spaces and after-school programmes should be established to help keep children safe.
• Improve the child-protection system: With South Africa’s child-protection services facing challenges, more funding for social workers and efficient reporting systems is crucial.
• Prioritise quality education: Access to quality education is essential. Schools must be supportive environments free from violence, overcrowding and inadequate resources.
• Tackle poverty and inequality: Children suffer the most when families are without the means to support themselves. Increasing job opportunities and food security can alleviate this stress.
• Strengthen children’s voices: Children have a right to participate in decisions affecting them. Platforms must be created for young voices to be heard and respected.
• Build a culture that respects and values children: It is important to shift mindsets to honour children every day, not just on special occasions. Encouraging positive behaviours that reject violence and exploitation is vital.

Omar insists: "This is about long-term commitment, not a single day. Improving children’s lives is not an act of celebration; it is an obligation."

She urges that while International Children’s Day serves as a vital reminder, real change requires consistent action.

"Children are not the future, they are our present. What society chooses to do today determines the South Africa they inherit tomorrow," Omar ended.