[Omondi Onyango, Standard]OpinionAbuse of minors' rights has been on the rise as the Covid-19 pandemic unfoldsThe Covid-19 pandemic has exposed many governments' lack of adequate strategies for the protection of children, especially concerning economic, social and cultural rights. The Human Rights Watch goes a step further to invite governments to act urgently to protect children, not only during the pandemic but also to consider how decisions made now will best uphold children’s rights after this crisis. The same has been reiterated in the African Charter for Peoples’ and Human Rights, as well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Recognising the importance of this, Unicef recommends that governments, authorities and other partners work together to ensure child rights and child protection measures are embedded in the immediate Covid-19 response and longer-term recovery planning. By upholding the best interests of children in these uncertain times, we reduce their vulnerability and at the same time, build a sustainable future for them.

Source: Standard Digital June 16, 2020 14:26 UTC