Working to develop "Child Policy" to promote the rights and welfare of children in the IGAD region.

Working to develop "Child Policy" to promote the rights and welfare of children in the IGAD region.

Stakeholders in a group photo during the IGAD Child Policy Consultation in Juba. Photo: Tito Justin / Save the Children

Juba, South Sudan: On May 8, 2023, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional economic community consisting of eight member states in the East and Horn of Africa, conducted a two-day national consultation on the Child Policy Framework in South Sudan.

The South Sudan government, along with line ministries, agencies, and other relevant partners, meaningfully engaged in the draft IGAD Child Policy to reflect both national and regional contexts. During the discussion, about fifty stakeholders proposed well-designed strategies to address the challenges faced by children at both the national and regional levels. 

“Protracted conflict, climate change, displacement, poverty, and limited access to basic services have a significant impact on child rights in South Sudan. It is therefore crucial that we tackle these challenges directly and develop appropriate strategies for our country and the region, said Ahmed Dugsiye, Deputy Director for Programme Development and Quality at Save the Children South Sudan.

National stakeholders provided their input to adjust, amend, and enhance the provisions of the draft IGAD Child Policy as relevant.

"By adopting a robust regional Child Policy, our aim is to lay a solid foundation for child-sensitive initiatives, thereby strengthening member states' ability to fulfil their international and regional commitments," highlighted Dr. Victoria Anib, Head of Social Development at the IGAD Secretariat.

Save the Children International, with funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), supports the draft Child Policy framework and consultation within the framework of the East African Migration Routes (EAMR) project.