International Day of the African Child commemorated with renewed pledge to protect children's rights

The International Day of the African Child, observed annually on 16 June, was marked during a commemorative event organised by the National Children’s Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, today, at La Marie Water Treatment Plant, in Vacoas. The Day renews the Government’s pledge to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have equal access to education and fundamental rights.

The Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Dr (Mrs) Jyoti Jeetun; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mr Jean Daniel Philippe Labonne; and the Ombudsperson for Children, Mrs Aneeta Ghoorah, were among the main attendees.

The theme chosen by the African Union is “Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child in Africa”. An exhibition was also organised on the local theme “Zanfan Moris: Akter kle dan proteksion dilo ek lanvironman”, aimed at empowering children to become agents of change in addressing climate-related challenges and promoting environmental stewardship.

Some 40 students from Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo Government school; Rose Belle North Government School; Renganaden Seeneevassen State Secondary School; and Ebène State Secondary School participating in the exhibition were awarded prizes on that occasion.

Addressing the students, Mr Labonne highlighted the historical significance of the Day, which was established in memory of the Soweto Uprising of 1976, when black students in Soweto, South Africa, protested against inferior education systems under apartheid. He noted that the Day serves as a tribute to the courage and resilience of children and provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved in advancing and protecting children's rights across the African continent.

Government, he emphasised, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of every child by ensuring access to quality education, protection from all forms of violence, and equal opportunities that enable children to realise their full potential. He further urged children to play a meaningful role in the preservation of water resources, the protection of the environment, and the promotion of sustainable development, particularly in the context of climate change.

Mr Labonne also highlighted that children have the capacity to influence positive change within their communities and can serve as ambassadors for the responsible management of natural resources, thereby contributing to the creation of a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient Mauritius.

15 June 2026

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Topics: Gender