West and Central Africa

On 20 November 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the  Convention on the Rights of the Child , a landmark achievement that has since become the world’s most widely ratified human rights treaty. In the 30 years since its adoption, the Convention has helped to transform children’s lives around the world. It inspired changes in laws…,  , Children, heroes of their own rights , The Convention on the Rights of the Child wants all children to enjoy all their rights . ,  , Right to participation, All children and young people have the right to be heard  and participate in decisions that affect them.,  , Right to quality healthcare, All children have the right to quality healthcare.,  , Right to protection against violence, Children have the right to be protected from violence, abuse and neglect by those who look after them.  ,  , Convention on the Rights of the Child in Ghana, This short video from Ghana, the first country in the world to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, explains what the Convention is.,  , Watch this amazing song written by Top Nigerian Artists for Every Child !, "With a little love and the chance, you too can be a star!" Children and young people of #Nigeria , stand up and demand your rights! New #WorldChildrensDay song from some of Nigeria’s brightest music stars.   To learn more about the Global Pledge:  https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/global-action    , To learn more about CRC@30 celebrations in West and Central Africa, check out our related content section below

In Burkina Faso, filmmaker Adjaratou Lompo uses her craft to give women a voice., Adjaratou Lompo, a filmmaker with RTB, Burkina Faso’s TV and radio broadcasting company worked in editing and production before progressing into directing.   "Cinema is liberating because when you make a film, whether it’s a documentary or a work of fiction, you have a message to convey. And it’s very important for a woman to pass on her ideas.…, Africa's Changemakers Meet Africa's changemakers,          

In Mauritania, Aminetou Mint El Moctar is an outspoken activist who raises taboo issues to fight for women’s rights., Aminetou Mint El Moctar is President of the Association of Female Heads of Household and indefatigable human rights activist.   “First and foremost, I’m campaigning for change,” says El Moctar. “As long as impunity, discrimination, slavery, racism still exist.”  Undaunted by the fatwa issued against her in 2014, El Moctar continues to call for…, Africa's Changemakers Meet Africa's changemakers,        

Eunice (18, DR Congo) Peace and education Eunice tells the story of a boy she met, who was too poor to go to school and got involved in a fight that led him to jail, Eunice shares her wish of an Africa that invests in its children’s education instead of armament.

Abdoul Rachid (17, Burkina Faso) HIV stigma and prevention Abdoul Rachid’s talks about his best friend, Souleymane, who was told at an early age he was different from other children and had to take medicines daily. Years later he learned why: he had been infected with HIV at birth. Since then, Souleymane has been an activist for HIV prevention,…

Rimana (16, Niger) Climate change As a young child, Rimana used to cross the Niger river with her father, admiring its beauty and its bounty. Years later, when she went there again, she was shocked by the landscape’s transformation and decided to put her energy in combatting climate change.

Precious (14, Cameroon) Peace and education From her younger years spent in the troubled region of North-West Cameroon, Precious knows one thing for sure: African leaders should do everything in their power to make sure children grow up in a safe place and go to school.

Conforte (15, Benin) Civic leadership Gloria, who is president of Benin’s national council of children, says that child’s participation in local life is the best way for children to grow up as responsible citizens, innovators and entrepreneurs, and to ensure that their rights to education, information and expression are fulfilled.

Bassan (17, Mali) Local solutions Bassan, who is president of the children’s Parliament in Mali, is a fierce advocate of children’s right to education and talks about the need for local solutions to local problems, such as poverty, child marriage, child labor, lack of school or teachers, and insecurity.

Rahimata (17, Burkina Faso) Education and vocational training Rahimata’s world fell apart after her father died unexpectedly when she was a young child. Her family lost everything they had, but they didn’t give up, and she managed to complete her education – an opportunity that she wishes every child had, through school or vocational training.

Amiri (17, Mali/Burkina Faso) Migration As member of a Tuareg nomadic group, Amiri spent much of his early life on the move. Here he talks about the forced journey he made with his family from Timbuktu (Mali) to Burkina Faso a few years ago – not by choice, but due to rising insecurity. Grateful for the hospitality he found in Burkina Faso, he…

Evariste (17, Burkina Faso) Living with disabilities Evariste was 7 when he was infected by meningitis. He survived but lost his hearing and speaking. Helped by a sign language translator, Evariste tells about his struggle to get an education – just like his friends –  and his wish that other youth living with disabilities are not discriminated.