Africa and Children RIghts

Bunmi Aina, our guest speaker who discussed the United Nation Convention and Children Rights in Africa, shared a quote that really stood out. "It takes a whole village to raise a child". Wow, the truth behind caring and raising children in Africa could not have been described any better. Unfortunately not all children are properly taken care of. In Africa only some children are considered a blessing and the whole family is dedicated to raising the child.

In 1990 the convention Articles 1-41 were set up to protect the right of these children. This helps to avoid contradiction of the definition of a child and their rights to life. It states children should have right to expression, identity, growth, education, and health care. These articles are emphasized and should be followed by all, including the parents to the best of their ability. Rights are not given, but rather inherited which is why the convention emphasizes these rights are protected and are not considered laws. Regretfully, although women and men came up with these articles from a world wide standpoint, in many cases they contradict with traditions and are not equally followed by all countries that have signed.

The most disturbing thing we discussed that really got to me was the issue regarding our technology here in America and the labor if creates for African children. The substance, "black gold" also known as Coltan, in Blackberry phones and other technological devices is the cause for many children's death or injuries. Children go underground and climb in trenches to mine Coltan and in return receive a payment of approximately 20 cents for the entire day. These jobs conflict with the quality of education, which is illegal and goes against the convention.

If Africa or third world countries set up short term money for children, welfare, helped parents who were struggling or even set a minimum wage, the government would be taking small steps to reduce child labor and conflicting the right of a child to have a safe life full of educational opportunities.