Journals Information
Sociology and Anthropology Vol. 4(5), pp. 416 - 430
DOI: 10.13189/sa.2016.040513
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The Role of Independent Human Rights Institutions for Children (IHRICs) in Africa in Raising Awareness about Children's Rights among Children
Hilda Kalekyezi Nankunda 1,*, Nigel Thomas 2
1 School of Social Work, University of Central Lancashire, UK
2 School of Social Work, Care and Community, University of Central Lancashire, UK
ABSTRACT
This article discusses implementation of the UNCRC 1989, by African Countries. It explores ways of using Independent Human Rights Institutions for Children (IHRIC) in Africa, to increase awareness of children's rights among children so that they (children) can participate and even lead in realizing their own rights. It is based on a qualitative design in two phases. Phase 1 was a documentary review of periodic reports from 25 African signatory states. Content analysis revealed that IHRICs by African Countries are not independent according to the recommendations of the General Comment No. 2 2002 which reverberates with the Paris Principles 1993. Phase 2 Field work was conducted in two districts and two communities in Uganda. Action Research approaches were employed to 72 participants including 21 children aged 10-15 years. Focus Group Discussions were conducted with children, Dialogue Meetings for the community facilitated by children and Key Informant Interviews. It was found that children can articulate their rights and contribute to decisions that affect them. This article suggests that States Parties in Africa should support implementation of UNCRC by availing funds to the HRIC to fulfill their functions. Emphasis should be on raising awareness about children's rights and involving children in decisions making, planning and policy development activities.
KEYWORDS
Children, Rights, Institutions for Children, Action Research Top-down Implementation, Child Participation
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Hilda Kalekyezi Nankunda , Nigel Thomas , "The Role of Independent Human Rights Institutions for Children (IHRICs) in Africa in Raising Awareness about Children's Rights among Children," Sociology and Anthropology, Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 416 - 430, 2016. DOI: 10.13189/sa.2016.040513.
(b). APA Format:
Hilda Kalekyezi Nankunda , Nigel Thomas (2016). The Role of Independent Human Rights Institutions for Children (IHRICs) in Africa in Raising Awareness about Children's Rights among Children. Sociology and Anthropology, 4(5), 416 - 430. DOI: 10.13189/sa.2016.040513.