International Day for Street Children 2025
A round-up of activities Safe Child Africa has been part of this year
April 2025
Celebrated worldwide since 2011, the International Day for Street Children is a day close to our hearts and of the wonderful grassroots organisations we support. Celebrated on 12 April 2025, here is a round-up:
Solidarity Walk for Participation of Street Children
We supported our wonderful partners Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) to conduct a solidarity walk to the house of the Governor of Cross Rivers State, with the participation and involvement of street children. There a concept note was presented to inform the sensitive and compassionate rehabilitation of street children in Nigeria, along with a strong message that we must ensure the implementation of the Child Rights Law of 2023.
BRCI were deeply honored to have the Commissioner for the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs join in solidarity, showing commitment to the rights and inclusion of children in street conditions.
Children in street situations walked alongside workers who champion their cause, boldly carrying placards and voicing their realities. It was a walk of visibility, power, and participation; reminding us all that every child has the right to be heard, protected, and included.
The wife of the Governor of Cross Rivers State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, received the delegation, saying “We need to not only take the children off the streets, but take the streets off the children, which s most important.” She also graciously offered her support for the cause and to discuss the matter further with the Governor.
James Ibor, Co-Founder and Principal Counsel at Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) said: “…We call on the Government to pay attention to the welfare and security of children in street situations. The theme of this year’s celebration is participation. Governments will have to get the street children themselves involved in their rehabilitation, their protection and their security.”
Here is a video from the local news coverage which gives a detailed account of the day:
Safe Child Africa is delighted that this action was also featured in the International Consortium for Street Children’s highlights of this year’s events:
Gary Foxcroft, Founder and Chair of Trustees of Safe Child Africa said:
“Whilst we celebrate this day annually, it is a day that we constantly strive to make a thing of the past.”
Our vision is that all children in the Niger Delta are happy, protected and capable of creating their own, bright future. And we are working tirelessly on every level from the grassroots to the UN to make that the case. Until that day, we will be here to support the children that need us.
Safe Child Africa thanks all our supporters and donors who make this work possible.
Ends
Other References:
https://tribuneonlineng.com/cross-river-leaders-activists-urge-immediate-action-on-street-children/