1. AU says avoiding conflicts vital in ensuring rights of children
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The African Union (AU) said that preventing conflicts will significantly assist in avoiding violations against the rights of African children.
Depriving children of their right to education, recruiting them as soldiers, sexual abuses, killings as well as inflicting physical harms on children is a violation of rights of children, according to the UN.
The remarks came at the 26th_International Day of the African Child which was marked with the motto ‘Respect the Rights of All Children, ‘ here Friday.
AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security) Mme Bineta Diop spoke on behalf of the AUC Chairperson at the event mentioning the plight of the South Sudanese children which she learned about during her visit to the country.
The Special Envoy said the African Union is working towards a stable Africa through abolishing the humanitarian and social crisis in the continent.
She called on member states of the AU to work towards the realization of the 2020 vision of silencing guns in Africa.
State Chief Gatluak Tut also said marking the day in the state will help in sustaining efforts of ensuring the rights of children.
The theme of the event also inspires further actions against conflicts by creating public awareness, the Chief said.
According to Solomon Assefa, Special Advisor to the Minister of Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry has been organizing various awareness raising forums on the rights of children which proved successful.
Representatives from the AU, international organizations and others attended the 26th_International Day of the African Child at the Jawe refugee camp in Gambella.

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