CHILD RIGHTS NETWORK FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA

The past decade has seen significant progress in children's rights across Southern Africa. From rising school enrollment rates to stronger child protection laws, the region is moving in the right direction. Notable examples include South Africa and Zambia’s policies to combat child labor and Botswana and Namibia’s efforts to enhance healthcare access for children under five. These advancements align with #SDG3 (Good Health) and #SDG4 (Quality Education), reinforcing the aspirations of #AfricanAgenda2063 for empowered, healthy, and educated citizens. As we reflect on this progress, let's continue working towards a future where every child thrives! 🌍👶📚 #ChildRights #Sustainability #Agenda2063

We are proud to announce that Aumake Aaron has been elected as the President of the SADC Child-led Parliamentary Forum during the recently concluded General Assembly. This milestone represents the power of youth-led initiatives in shaping a better tomorrow for children across the SADC region. 🌍 Aumake Aaron's leadership marks the beginning of a bold new chapter in child rights advocacy, where young voices take the lead in creating solutions for the challenges they face. As we celebrate this moment, let’s commit to supporting youth-driven efforts to champion children’s rights and build a brighter, more inclusive future. 🙌 #YouthLeadership #ChildRights #SADC #Advocacy #LeadershipForChange

As we approach the close of an incredible year, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all of you—our community, partners, and supporters. Your unwavering commitment and shared vision have been the driving force behind everything we’ve accomplished. 🙏 2024 has been a year of challenges, milestones, and growth. T These victories remind us of the power of collaboration and the importance of striving for a better, brighter future. 🌍✨ As we step into 2025, let’s continue to work towards [insert a vision/goal for the upcoming year]. The journey ahead is full of promise, and we can’t wait to embrace it with you by our side. 💪 From all of us here at Child Rights Network for Southern Africa (CRNSA) , we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! 🎄🎆 📢 What’s your proudest moment from 2024? Share with us in the comments—we’d love to celebrate with you! #HappyHolidays #EndOfYear #ThankYou #Gratitude #NewYearGoals

🎉 Kicking Off the 2nd General Assembly of the Southern Africa Children’s Child-Led Parliamentary Forum 10th December 2024. Yesterday, we witnessed a powerful beginning as young leaders from across the SADC region gathered for the 2nd General Assembly of the Southern Africa Children’s Forum. These young changemakers are addressing the critical issue of education under the theme: "Harnessing Our Collective Voices for Child-Friendly Policy Frameworks." Their discussions are bringing much-needed attention to the challenges facing education in the region: 📉 Poor Infrastructure: Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack essential facilities like classrooms and sanitation. 📉 Teacher Shortages: The scarcity of qualified teachers continues to compromise the quality of education. 📉 Inequality: Barriers to education disproportionately affect children from low-income families and those with disabilities. But these young leaders aren’t stopping at identifying problems—they are shaping the future with their solutions: 💡 Stronger Policies: Advocating for robust policies to protect education and ensure every child’s right to learn. 💡 Increased Funding: Urging governments to allocate more resources to education in national budgets. 💡 Equity: Calling for the fair distribution of resources and infrastructure to reach all children. 💡 Inclusion: Pushing for specialized teachers and support services for children with disabilities. 🙌 This assembly is a testament to the power of youth leadership in shaping inclusive, equitable education systems. Their commitment reminds us all of the importance of creating platforms for young voices to drive impactful change. As these young leaders chart a path forward, we are inspired by their vision and determination. Stay tuned for updates from the assembly as we collectively work toward a better future for every child in Southern Africa. Live discussions can be followed here until tomorrow 12th December 2024. 🔗 https://bit.ly/41qSogn #SADCChildrenForum #2ndGeneralAssembly #CRNSA #EducationForAll #InclusiveEducation #ChildLeadership

🌍 160 Voices, 32 Leaders, One Vision: Transforming Southern Africa Together A milestone moment for the SADC region! 160 children, 32 parliamentarians, and key partners are uniting to drive dialogue and action on the critical issues shaping the future of Southern Africa. This gathering represents a commitment to: ✨ Empowering children’s voices as catalysts for meaningful change. ✨ Bridging the gap between youth and policymakers to co-create solutions. ✨ Building pathways to a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future. ➡️ Join the live discussion: Click here: https://bit.ly/41qSogn ➡️ Get involved in working groups: Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4gqhkbU Your voice matters. Let’s unite for a better tomorrow. 🌟 #SADCParliament #YouthLeadership #ChildAdvocacy #SADCRegion #ClimateAction

As the dust settles on COP29, one question looms large: what do the outcomes mean for children, especially in climate-vulnerable regions like Southern Africa? This year's summit amplified calls for safeguarding children’s futures amid the climate crisis, with pledges to address education, mental health, and child protection in a rapidly changing world. But promises alone won't shape the future—action will. Southern Africa stands at a crossroads, where the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect children. Rising temperatures, droughts, and displacement threaten their safety, education, and well-being. It’s imperative to act now, to ensure today’s children can become tomorrow’s leaders in climate resilience. 📢 That’s why the Southern Africa Children's 2nd General Assembly (Dec 10–12) is a critical platform for turning global commitments into local action. This event focuses on: 🔍 Safety & Child Protection: Addressing the vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate-related disasters. 🎤 Media Advocacy: Amplifying children’s voices and stories to drive change. 🧠 Mental Health: Supporting emotional resilience and coping mechanisms for young minds. 📚 Education for Sustainable Development: Equipping children with the knowledge to champion a sustainable future. This isn’t just a dialogue; it’s a call to action. The Assembly will empower young advocates with the tools and knowledge to hold leaders accountable and lead transformative change. Together, we can bridge the gap between COP29 promises and meaningful impact on the ground. ➡️ Join us for the live sessions: Meeting link: https://bit.ly/41qSogn ➡️ Register for working groups: Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4gqhkbU Let’s stand with the children of Southern Africa and ensure their voices are heard in the climate justice movement. 🌟 #ChildRights #YouthAdvocacy #ClimateJustice #COP29 COP29 Azerbaijan Save the Children International African Union UNICEF

🌟 Putting Children at the Center of Climate Action: CRNSA’s Key Advocacy Efforts At #CRNSA, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of children resonate in critical climate discussions. During a recent meeting with the Chairperson of Africa’s Group of Negotiators, we tabled key proposals aimed at prioritizing children in climate decision-making processes. Here’s what we advocated for: 1️⃣ Recognition of Children in COP29 Outcomes We emphasized the importance of reflecting commitments to children in the #COP29 Outcome Statement. Children are among the most vulnerable to climate change—let's not leave them behind. 2️⃣ Inclusive Participation via Accreditation We called for children and Civil Society Organizations to be included in COP badges, ensuring they have meaningful access to negotiation spaces. 3️⃣ Early Involvement in the AU Climate Summit 2025 Children’s voices should guide the African Union Climate Summit 2025 from the planning stage through execution. Engaging children early sets the foundation for impactful contributions. 4️⃣ Input into Negotiation Processes Providing a platform for children to share their insights with Africa’s Group of Negotiators is crucial for crafting inclusive and effective climate policies. 5️⃣ Broad Climate Awareness Campaigns Member states must amplify awareness of the devastating impacts of climate change on children, driving action to protect their futures. 🌍 As we gear up for #COP29, let’s champion the rights and voices of children, ensuring they are not just beneficiaries of climate action but active participants in shaping a better tomorrow. #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #ChildAdvocacy #AfricaClimateNegotiations

🌏 Beyond Dialogue: Delivering Concrete Climate Action for Children at COP29 As COP29 approaches, the global community faces a crucial decision: Will we finally move from words to actions? For children impacted by climate change, the stakes couldn’t be higher. 🚨 What needs to happen? Strengthen National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to explicitly prioritize children’s rights. Ensure NDC budgets allocate sufficient resources to child-focused services. G20 countries, responsible for 80% of global emissions, must fulfill commitments, including doubling adaptation finance and contributing significantly to Loss and Damage funds. Why it matters: Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a child rights crisis. Without urgent, child-centered policies, we risk losing an entire generation to climate-related vulnerabilities. Let’s demand accountability and action at COP29 to protect and empower our children for a sustainable future. 🌱 Join us in pushing for bold commitments and real results. #ClimateActionNow #SDG13 #CRNSA #COP29 #PayUpForLossAndDamage

Happy International Men’s Day! Today, we celebrate men who understand that shaping a brighter world starts with raising resilient, happy children. The Children’s Rights Network of South Africa calls on all men to be champions of children’s rights, creating homes and communities where kids can flourish holistically. Your role goes beyond material support—it’s about teaching kindness, nurturing talents, and fostering hope. Together, we can ensure every child is surrounded by love, dignity, and opportunities to thrive. Let’s honor men who are building legacies of joy and fulfillment, one child at a time. Let’s keep advocating for the rights of every child! 🙌🌟