Day of the African Child: Insecurity, Poverty Undermining Future of African Children, CAMAC Warns
By Our Correspondent, Kaduna
As Africa commemorates the 2026 Day of the African Child, the Center for Media Advocacy for Mother and Child (CAMAC) has called for the immediate release of children being held captive by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups across Nigeria, warning that insecurity continues to rob thousands of children of their rights, safety and future.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Alex Uangbaoje, CAMAC said the celebration of this year’s theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” must not overshadow the broader challenges confronting children across the continent.
The organisation expressed concern that while millions of African children still lack access to safe water and sanitation services, many others are trapped in armed conflicts, forced displacement, hunger, exploitation and violence.
According to CAMAC, the continued abduction of schoolchildren and attacks on communities in Nigeria have created a generation of vulnerable children who are denied education, protection and opportunities for development.
“The continued captivity of children by terrorists and bandits is unacceptable and represents a grave violation of their fundamental rights. Every child deserves freedom, security and access to quality education,” the statement said.
CAMAC urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen measures to protect schools and communities from attacks.
The organisation also highlighted worsening child poverty, malnutrition, child labour, trafficking, sexual violence, early marriage and limited access to healthcare as major threats to children’s wellbeing across Africa.
It stressed that governments must move beyond policy commitments and make deliberate investments in education, healthcare, nutrition, child protection and water, sanitation and hygiene services.
CAMAC noted that the future of Africa depends on how effectively governments and stakeholders respond to the needs of children, particularly those living in conflict-affected and underserved communities.
As the continent marks the Day of the African Child, the advocacy group called on leaders at all levels to place children’s rights at the centre of development efforts and ensure that no child is left behind.
