The African Child Day was celebrated on Friday at the Libreville Central Prison in Gabon, with a recreational day organized for minors in detention. The event was held under the theme "Access to water and sanitation for all children" and was attended by the Minister of Justice, Augustin Emane, the Resident Representative of UNICEF in Gabon, Dr. Marie-Reine Chirezi Fabry, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Penitentiary Security, General Jean Germain Effayong Onong.
The ceremony was organized by UNICEF and the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Penitentiary Security Command. The event aimed to reaffirm the commitment of public authorities and partners to protecting and respecting the rights of children deprived of liberty. Minister Emane emphasized that the celebration was not just a commemoration but a reminder of the collective duty to guarantee the rights of every child without distinction.
Minister Emane highlighted that the choice of the Libreville Central Prison for the celebration reflected the government's willingness to consider penitentiary establishments as spaces for preparation for reintegration. He stressed that children deprived of liberty remain entitled to fundamental rights that the Republic has a duty to guarantee. Emane also emphasized the importance of access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation as essential rights linked to dignity, health, and child development.
Dr. Marie-Reine Chirezi Fabry, Resident Representative of UNICEF in Gabon, praised the Ministry of Justice's commitment to juvenile justice that protects, educates, and prepares children for reintegration. She emphasized that even when a door closes behind a child, the door to the future must remain open. Fabry also highlighted the universality of children's rights, including education, health, protection, access to water, hygiene, and dignity, which must be guaranteed at every stage of a child's life, including in places of detention.
The recreational day aimed to raise awareness among public authorities and development partners about the challenges related to protecting children in detention. It also sought to promote the strengthening of public policies and investments in favor of detained children and to valorize the actions taken in Gabon to improve their living conditions. Several hygiene kits were distributed to minors in detention, and distinctions were awarded to young people who excelled in sports and cultural events.
The ceremony featured performances by artists EJ and Anelka. According to the organizers, the event was a success, and it demonstrated the commitment of the Gabonese government and its partners to protecting the rights of children deprived of liberty. The celebration also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies and international organizations to promote the well-being of children in detention.
The African Child Day celebration in Gabon highlighted the country's efforts to promote the rights and well-being of children, particularly those in detention. The event demonstrated the government's commitment to protecting the rights of children and promoting their development, in line with international standards and best practices. The celebration also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the challenges and opportunities related to promoting the rights of children in Gabon.
Key points
- The Gabonese government and UNICEF organized a recreational day for minors in detention to celebrate African Child Day.
- The event aimed to promote the rights and well-being of children deprived of liberty, with a focus on access to water and sanitation.
- The celebration highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies and international organizations to promote the well-being of children in detention.
