African universities strengthen child rights resolve
Gambia hosts meeting to boost research, policy, and collaboration for children's welfare across Africa.
African universities, government officials, and UN representatives convened in Banjul for the Second Meeting of the African Network of Universities for Child Rights. The gathering aimed to validate the network's governance, expand membership, and boost collaboration to advance children's rights across the continent.
University of The Gambia Vice Chancellor Professor Herbert Robinson called the meeting a historic milestone, highlighting the university's new Child Rights Centre, supported by UNICEF. He stressed that universities must lead research, policy influence, and evidence generation to improve children's lives, especially those in vulnerable communities.
The UN reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. With less than four years to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the meeting focused on generating locally owned, evidence-based policies and strengthening child rights education and advocacy.
Why it mattersChildren in Africa, particularly those in vulnerable and remote communities, will benefit from strengthened research, policy reforms, and educational initiatives focused on their rights.