In a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and safeguarding the rights of children and children with disabilities in Africa, a three-day Validation Workshop on the Development of Child Rights Training Material recently concluded. Held in Addis Ababa from 13 to15 December 2023, the workshop aimed to evaluate and refine the training material in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Participants were from child-led organizations, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and ADF staff. The initiative was made possible by the Civil Society Strengthening Programme, led by Save the Children and implemented by various partners, including the African Disability Forum (ADF).In a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and safeguarding the rights of children and children with disabilities in Africa, a three-day Validation Workshop on the Development of Child Rights Training Material recently concluded. Held in Addis Ababa from 13 to15 December 2023, the workshop aimed to evaluate and refine the training material in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Participants were from child-led organizations, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and ADF staff. The initiative was made possible by the Civil Society Strengthening Programme, led by Save the Children and implemented by various partners, including the African Disability Forum (ADF).
The workshop brought together a dynamic group of individuals, each contributing their unique perspectives and experiences. With representatives from child-led organizations and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities , the collaborative spirit of the event underlined the importance of working in the best interests of the child, as outlined in the UNCRC, taking into account children with disabilities.
The main objective of the workshop was to scrutinize and enhance the developed training material, ensuring its consistency with the principles outlined in the CRC and CRPD. These international conventions serve as cornerstones for advocating for the rights of children and persons with disabilities, emphasizing the need for a holistic, rights-based approach to their well-being.
Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, sharing insights derived from their rich experiences in advocating for child rights and disability inclusion. The diverse backgrounds of the attendees fostered a rich dialogue that enriched the process of developing the material. This collaborative effort not only ensured cultural sensitivity, but also incorporated a wide range of perspectives, making the training material more comprehensive and applicable. The material encompasses topics of enabling environment, intersectional challenges, the right to participate, the right to survival, the right to protection, and the right to development. The commendable progress made during this workshop was made possible with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The Sida-funded Civil Society Strengthening Programme has been instrumental in empowering organizations to advocate for children’s rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Africa and globally. This initiative exemplifies the positive impact that targeted funding can have on fostering a world where every child’s rights are respected and upheld. As the workshop draws to a close, the refined training material is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the participants. Going forward, the implementation of this material in diverse settings will play a pivotal role in empowering communities to advocate for the rights of children and persons with disabilities. The shared commitment to the principles of the CRC and CRPD will undoubtedly pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future. The successful completion of the workshop marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect and promote the rights of children and persons with disabilities. The collaborative endeavours of participants, under the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, exemplify the potential for positive change when diverse voices unite for a common cause. As these refined training materials are disseminated and implemented, the impact on communities and societies at large promises to be profound, fostering a world where the rights of every child are not only recognized, but actively championed.
