The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment

The Day of the African Child (DAC) was first launched by the Assembly of Heads of State of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1991 to be commemorated annually on 16 June. The day honours the 1976 student-led uprising in Soweto, South Africa, that resulted in the killing of numerous unarmed students and young protesters by the apartheid regime. The day is, therefore, a reminder of the costly price these children paid for demanding respect of their fundamental rights to education and freedom.

Over the years, DAC has also served as an opportunity for all stakeholders and actors committed to the protection and promotion of children’s right in Africa to come together, consolidate common goals, and address obstacles impeding the realisation of an Africa fit for its children.

This year the day is commemorated under the theme “The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment.” The overall objective of the DAC 2023 is to raise awareness on the promotion and protection of children’s rights in the digital environment and to encourage Member States of the AU and other relevant stakeholders to make commitments towards the realisation of children’s rights in the digital environment.

Source: African Union