Forty African countries have endorsed a proposed charter aimed at strengthening families, protecting children and promoting African values and sovereignty.
The charter seeks to place families at the centre of social development while encouraging governments to strengthen policies and programmes that protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other vulnerabilities.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over challenges affecting children and families across the continent, including poverty, displacement, violence and inadequate access to social services.
The agreement also places emphasis on supporting families before children become separated from their parents or caregivers. This approach is consistent with broader child-protection reforms promoting family-based care and stronger community support systems.
In Nigeria, government agencies have similarly been reviewing policies and frameworks designed to strengthen child protection, family welfare and alternative care systems. The Federal Government has identified family-based care and a stronger social-service workforce among areas requiring greater attention.
The endorsement by the 40 countries is expected to provide a framework for greater cooperation among African governments and stakeholders on family welfare and child protection, while translating the commitments into national policies and practical programmes.
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