Eyong Blaise is a journalist based in Yaounde, Cameroon. This filmmaker, journalist, fixer, Cameraman and TV Producer has worked with Africa 24, CCTV, Reuters, Vox Africa, AIT, KTN, E-Africa etc

Cameroon: Who Are the Women Working for Change and Peace in Cameroon?

02 Dec 2023  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

The article discusses the efforts of activists Marthe Wandou, Esther Omam, and Sally Mboumien in promoting peace, education, and women's rights in Cameroon. They are affiliated with the 1st National Women's Convention for Peace in Cameroon, which has been awarded the 2023 German Africa Prize. The organization, representing 77 groups, advocates for an end to the conflict in Cameroon, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. Wandou focuses on fighting gender prejudices and encouraging education for girls, while Omam provides medical care through her NGO, Reach Out Cameroon. Mboumien's organization, Common Action for Gender Development, offers reproductive health counseling and supports sexual violence survivors. The article also touches on the broader issues of child marriage, attacks by Boko Haram, and the need for women in leadership roles to achieve peace.

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Child Marriage Women's Rights Human Rights Conflict in Cameroon Education Gender-Based Violence Healthcare Reproductive Health Activism

Una Cilic is a multimedia journalist, currently based in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Rights Groups Slam Iran For Executing 'Child Bride'

20 Oct 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Human Rights

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights, have condemned the execution of Samira Sabzian in Iran, who was forced into marriage as a child and later convicted of killing her husband. Despite an international campaign for clemency, Sabzian was executed under the principle of 'qesas' or retribution-in-kind. Amnesty International and the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights have called for an immediate moratorium on executions in Iran, highlighting the country's alarming rate of executions, particularly for drug-related offenses and homicides.

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Child Marriage Human Rights Executions

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Dominic Culverwell is a journalist based between Berlin and Kyiv. 
Politics, business, economics, banking, conflict, culture. 

Bylines- Financial Times, Radio Free Europe, EuroNews, bne IntelliNews, New Eastern Europe, EYESORE.

Three Ukrainian children returned from Russia, occupied territories

16 Dec 2023  |  The Kyiv Independent  |  English  |  Human Rights

Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, reported that three Ukrainian children have been successfully returned to their families from Russia and Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. Two children, a boy and a girl, were brought back from Kherson Oblast to their mother, while another boy, taken to Russia against his will, was reunited with his mother in Georgia. The State of Qatar has been instrumental in the mediation process for the project. Over 19,500 Ukrainian children have been identified as deported or forcibly displaced by Russia, with fewer than 400 having been returned. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Maria Lvova-Belova and Vladimir Putin for their involvement in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

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Child Deportation Human Rights War in Ukraine

Eveline De Klerk is a journalist based in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Does photography, video and online content. I am passionate about impactfull strories and picture

Children call for inclusive education

29 Oct 2023  |  neweralive.na  |  English  |  Child Protection

Children from Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana have urged their leaders for an updated curriculum, inclusive education, and better protection against domestic and sexual abuse, as well as cyberbullying. During World Children’s Day commemorations, they highlighted the need for inclusive education, protection against abuse, and an updated educational curriculum. They also pointed out issues like human trafficking, inequality in education, and poverty. Namibian President Hage Geingob responded by emphasizing the country's commitment to inclusive education and social safety nets. The event, hosted by Unicef, aimed to renew the promise for children's rights.

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Human Rights Child Protection Inclusive Education

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I'm an experienced investigative, feature and documentary journalist residing in Copenhagen. Since 2015, I've been reporting from Denmark, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America. 

I have reported for a wide range of international media such as The Washington Post, The Guardian, BBC, ...

Umar Farooq is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.  He reports regularly for the Los Angeles Times from the region.  In the past year, his work has also appeared in Foreign Affairs, National Geographic, The Guardian, Boston Review, and The Nation.  

He received a Pulitzer Center Crisis ...

Rising Juvenile Abuse

29 Nov 2024  |  The Global Kashmir  |  English  |  Child Labour

Juvenile abuse in India is a multifaceted issue involving physical, emotional, and neglectful mistreatment of minors, exacerbated by socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and family dysfunction. Historical socio-economic structures and industrialization have perpetuated child labor and abuse, despite legislative efforts to combat these issues. The Indian government and NGOs have implemented various laws and initiatives to protect children's rights, including prohibiting child labor and ensuring education. However, challenges remain due to inadequate enforcement and persistent socio-economic inequalities. A comprehensive response involving legislative reforms, socio-economic interventions, and collective societal responsibility is essential to safeguard children's rights and eradicate juvenile abuse.

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Child Rights Child Labour Juvenile Abuse

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Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔

Human Rights Watch Report Details Deepening Crises in Pakistan

14 Jan 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Human Rights

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) report for 2023 highlights a deepening political and economic crisis in Pakistan, with increased threats to media freedom, religious persecution, terrorism, violence against women and girls, and poor treatment of refugees. The government, led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is accused of clamping down on media, NGOs, and political opponents using broad laws. Journalist Imran Riaz Khan and reporter Fayad Zafar faced arrests, while opposition parties also attacked media outlets. Religious minorities, particularly Ahmadis and Christians, faced violence and false blasphemy charges. Women and girls suffered from violence and harassment, with little government action. Child rights issues included a high number of out-of-school children, child labor, and abuse. Terrorism increased with attacks from groups like TTP, Al-Qaeda, BLA, and ISKP. The transgender community faced legal challenges, and refugees, especially Afghans, were threatened with deportation. The report also mentions some government steps towards prison reforms.

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Child Rights Human Rights Political Crisis Economic Crisis Media Freedom Religious Persecution Terrorism Violence Against Women Gender Identity Refugee Treatment Prison Conditions

I am a journalist based in Madrid. I have worked for seven years in the Diagonal and El Salto Diario newspapers, of which I am one of the founders. I am specialized in information on human rights violations and company monitoring.

Up to 48 hours with shackles in juvenile centers

16 Jan 2024  |  civio.es  |  Spanish  |  Child Protection

The article examines the use of mechanical restraints, such as shackles, in Spanish juvenile centers following the enactment of the Child Protection Law. Despite the law's intention to limit such practices, data reveals that restraints have been used extensively, with some cases exceeding 48 hours. The article highlights the ongoing use of restraints in certain regions and centers, despite legal restrictions, and criticizes the law's shortcomings. It also discusses the historical context of restraint use, including past fatalities, and features perspectives from organizations advocating for the abolition of these practices.

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Human Rights Child Protection Juvenile Justice

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Damian Gowela is a Tanzanian journalist based in Dar es Salaam. Working as a bilingual journalist for Tanzania Standard Newspapers [TSN] in English at Dailynews and Sundaynews and Kiswahili at HabariLeo.

Patricia Huon is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

DR Congo’s anti-M23 campaign is emboldening abusive militias

13 Aug 2024  |  The New Humanitarian  |  English  |  Human Rights Abuses

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's strategy to combat the M23 rebel group by supporting local militias, known as Wazalendo, has led to increased human rights abuses and the recruitment of child soldiers. These militias, some of which have histories of conflict with each other, are exploiting civilians and expanding their territories under the guise of patriotism. The Congolese army's collaboration with these groups has undermined demobilization efforts and exacerbated regional tensions, particularly with Rwanda. The conflict has displaced 1.7 million people and resulted in numerous casualties, including child soldiers. Analysts warn that the government's reliance on these militias could lead to future security challenges, as they have been legitimized and empowered by the state.

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Child Soldiers Human Rights Abuses Conflict in DR Congo

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Anmol Irfan is a journalist based in Lahore, Pakistan. She has a BA in History from the London School of Economics. She is also the Founder of Perspective Magazine, an online magazine and community platform that seeks to empower marginalised voices and unheard stories in Pakistan. 
Her writing ...

How International Adoption Is Failing Children

15 Aug 2024  |  Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly  |  English  |  Child Welfare

International adoption is criticized for failing children, with systemic issues leading to unethical practices and harm to adoptees. Despite frameworks like the Hague Convention, oversight is lacking, resulting in cases of child trafficking and abuse. Activists and adoptees highlight the need for child-centered practices, cultural preservation, and responsible adoption processes. The article discusses the historical context and ongoing challenges, advocating for reforms to protect children's welfare and identity.

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Human Rights Child Welfare International Adoption

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Joseph Johnson is a journalist based in Freetown, Sierra Leone that is skilled in audio-visual package editing, videography, photography, content writing, News gathering, research among other. Joseph is dedicated, time concious and has sense for details and facts.

How to Stop Child Marriage? Punish Husbands, Parents and Wedding Guests.

03 Jul 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Child Marriage

Sierra Leone's president signed a law banning marriage for children under 18, imposing fines on adult spouses and penalizing those who enable such marriages, including parents and wedding guests. This legislation, praised by activists, offers financial compensation and annulment options for those married as children. UNICEF reported that about a third of girls in Sierra Leone were married before 18, with half married by 15. The law aims to address the widespread issue of child marriage, which affects millions globally.

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Human Rights Child Marriage Legislation

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Zeba Khan is a journalist based in Kanpur, India.

Kicking Balls docu-filmmaker Vijayeta Kumar on telling stories of girls fighting child marriage with football

17 Feb 2025  |  WION  |  English  |  Child Marriage

The documentary 'Kicking Balls' by Vijayeta Kumar highlights the inspiring stories of young girls in Ajmer, India, who use football to fight against child marriage and assert their rights. The film has been showcased at numerous film festivals, gaining significant attention and awards. Despite its success, the filmmaker emphasizes that the girls' achievements are independent of the film's influence. The documentary aims to challenge Western notions of feminism by showcasing grassroots struggles. Released on Prasar Bharti's OTT app Waves, the film targets audiences in smaller towns and villages, offering a platform for broader accessibility.

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Women's Rights Child Marriage Football

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Debra Krol is a Native American journalist based in Phoenix, United States of America.

Specialties: Native American issues, including science and environmental issues, economic development, business, Native American art; travel/tourism [both Native and mainstream]; and photojournalism.

...

Native families welcome children home, but 'long road' not over for others

07 Dec 2023  |  www.azcentral.com  |  English  |  Indigenous Rights

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), enacted in 1978 to prevent the removal of Indigenous children from their homes and communities, was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in June. Despite this, challenges persist, such as the opioid and fentanyl epidemics impacting Indian Country and the varying capacity of tribes to commit resources to child and family programs. Native children like Cash Rocha, who was adopted within his Pechanga community, thrive in loving homes that maintain cultural connections. However, older adoptees often struggle to reconnect with their heritage. Arizona's Department of Child Safety aims to increase kinship placements and has partnered with organizations like Three Precious Miracles to support foster families. The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is a leader in domestic violence prevention and child welfare, emphasizing the importance of enrolling children in tribal rolls for better custody outcomes. The article underscores the importance of cultural identity and community support in the welfare of Native children.

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Child Welfare Indigenous Rights Legal Issues

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Lottie Limb is a digital reporter for Cambridgeshire Live, based in Cambridge.

She has a strong interest in environmental issues, and has previously written features in a freelance capacity for euronews Living and Ecohustler.

From living in tents to missing school, here’s why climate change is a ‘child rights crisis’

13 Dec 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Child Rights

Nearly half of the world's child population lives in climate-vulnerable countries, with a third affected by both climate crisis and poverty. UNICEF reports that extreme weather has displaced 43 million children in six years. Despite this, less than 3% of global climate funds have supported children since 2006. Save the Children CEO Inger Ashing emphasizes the need to recognize the climate crisis as a child rights issue. The article highlights the severe impacts on children in Pakistan and Somalia, the inadequate climate funding for child-responsive activities, and the lack of child participation in climate decision-making processes at COP28.

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Child Rights Climate Change Poverty

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Mwangi Maina is a Multimedia journalist working for KTN News, Kenya's leading 24 Hour TV Channel in Eastern Africa as a Content Producer. I cover topics ranging from Politics, Regional affairs (Africa's Great Lakes Region), Media Freedom, Fake news as well as human interest stories. I also write ...

IGAD member states urged to prioritise children in policy implementation

25 Aug 2024  |  eastleighvoice.co.ke  |  English  |  Child Rights

IGAD member states are urged to prioritize children in policy implementation, focusing on a Draft Child Policy Framework that involves direct engagement with children from Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. The framework aims to address gaps in child protection and align with international commitments like the UNCRC and ACRWC. Despite challenges such as poverty and inadequate services, the policy seeks to harmonize with national laws and requires member states to allocate resources for effective implementation. The initiative is supported by international partners, including Save the Children and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

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Child Rights Policy Implementation IGAD

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Farai Shawn Matiashe is an award-winning journalist based in Mutare, Zimbabwe who writes for various international media outlets including Aljazeera (Qatar), CNN International (UK) the Thomson Reuters Foundation (UK), Vice World News (UK), The Africa Report (France), Euronews (UK) and Quartz Africa ...

In rural areas of Zimbabwe, bicycles keep girls in school

15 Oct 2024  |  ipsnoticias.net  |  Spanish  |  Child Rights

In rural Zimbabwe, bicycles provided by World Bicycle Relief are significantly improving educational access for girls, who face challenges such as long travel distances, domestic responsibilities, and threats from wildlife. The initiative has empowered girls like Rejoice Muzamani and Faith Machavi by reducing travel time, increasing school attendance, and enhancing safety. Despite legal advancements against child marriage, cultural and logistical barriers persist. The program aims to expand, offering broader community benefits and supporting girls' aspirations for higher education and professional careers.

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Child Rights Education Gender Equality

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Victoria Milko is a freelance multimedia journalist and writer based in Myanmar. 

She is available for and has experience in audio, photo, video and written work.

Milko’s work has taken her from health clinics in rural Bangladesh, to protests in the streets of Myanmar, to the refugee camps of ...

Malaysia Rohingya Child Brides

13 Dec 2023  |  auburnpub.com  |  English  |  Child Marriage

Scores of underage Rohingya girls, fleeing violence and starvation, are being forced into arranged marriages with older men and kept as virtual prisoners in their own homes.

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Human Rights Child Marriage Rohingya Crisis

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ricardo montoya is a freelance video journalist.

Querétaro attempts to punish the girl, not her rapist

29 Oct 2024  |  La Jornada  |  Spanish  |  Women's Rights

In Querétaro, the case of a 14-year-old girl, Esmeralda, who was raped and subsequently miscarried, has sparked controversy as the local prosecutor's office, Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE), is accused of focusing more on prosecuting the girl for homicide than on pursuing her alleged rapist. Activist Mayra Dávila from Adax Digitales criticizes the FGE for its lack of action against the rapist, despite genetic evidence confirming his paternity. The FGE's handling of the case, including its failure to provide adequate legal support to Esmeralda and its insistence on pursuing homicide charges, has been met with public outcry. The case underscores systemic issues within the legal system regarding the treatment of sexual violence victims and the prioritization of charges against them over their protection.

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Child Protection Women's Rights Legal System

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Chika Onyesi is a journalist based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Increase investment in adolescent girls – UNICEF to FG

11 Oct 2023  |  dailypost.ng  |  English  |  International Day of the Girl Child

UNICEF has urged the Nigerian government to support adolescent girls by providing platforms for expression, learning, and growth. On the International Day of the Girl Child, UNICEF Country Representative Cristian Munduate emphasized the importance of this commitment for national progress. With 26 million adolescent girls in Nigeria facing challenges such as disability, poverty, crises, early marriage, and lack of education, UNICEF highlighted the need for education, cultural practice prevention, menstrual hygiene, health services, and nutrition. Munduate recognized the girls as active change agents and called for their voices to be amplified in decision-making.

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Adolescent Girls' Rights International Day of the Girl Child

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Tonny Onyulo is a freelance print and broadcast journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He reports across Africa. He has worked for both local and international media, including Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), County Newspaper in Nairobi, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, USA Today, ...

Church fights Uganda’s child marriage ‘plague’

09 Dec 2023  |  www.catholicregister.org  |  English  |  Child Marriage

In Uganda, child marriage is a prevalent issue, with a UNICEF report indicating that 34% of girls are married before age 18. The Catholic Church, alongside government agencies and NGOs, is working to prevent child marriages and early pregnancies through awareness programs, distribution of menstrual pads, and economic empowerment of parents. Catechist Paul Muhwezi from the Diocese of Soroti cited poverty and traditional beliefs as root causes, while nurse counselor Judith Mutesi emphasized the negative impacts on girls' health and education. Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach has spoken out against the practice, and victims like Mbabazi are calling for government action to arrest and charge those involved in child marriages.

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Human Rights Child Marriage Poverty

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Henry Ridgwell is a journalist.

Child Refugees 'Wrongly Classified' Amid Migrant Surge From Africa to Spain

22 Nov 2023  |  allafrica.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

The number of migrants from West Africa to the Canary Islands has surged, with over 32,000 arrivals this year, the highest since 2006. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns that child migrants are being misclassified as adults by Spanish authorities, which puts them at risk and denies them the protections and opportunities afforded to minors. The case of 15-year-old Moussa Camara, who survived an 11-day sea journey only to be wrongly classified as an adult, highlights the issue. Amnesty International's Virginia Alvarez reported that child migrants are being held in adult detention centers without proper protection. Local authorities in the Canary Islands are overwhelmed and criticize the Spanish central government and the EU for not providing sufficient support or addressing the root causes of migration. Amnesty is urging for proper screening of child migrants and safer routes for refugees.

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Child Welfare Human Rights Immigration

Ben Shemang is a journalist based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Why Nigeria's 'Baby Factories' Continue to Thrive

19 Mar 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Child Trafficking

Child traffickers in Nigeria abduct girls and young women, impregnate them, and sell their babies to childless couples. These 'baby factories' are illegal facilities posing as private clinics, prevalent in southeastern states. Despite police efforts to shut them down, new ones continue to emerge due to high demand for babies, driven by poverty and cultural stigma. Activists and officials highlight the socio-economic conditions and moral decadence contributing to the issue. Legal frameworks exist to combat this practice, with ongoing arrests and advocacy for victims' rights.

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Human Rights Violations Child Trafficking Poverty

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Andrea Vogt is an independent journalist and documentary maker based in Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy.  Her dispatches on crime, politics and social affairs have appeared internationally in print, online, radio and broadcast media, including The Guardian, BBC, The Daily Telegraph, ...

Eight-year-old boy travels 3,500 miles in search of a school

21 Mar 2024  |  www.aol.co.uk  |  English  |  Human Rights

An eight-year-old boy named Oumar from Mali traveled 3,500 miles to Italy in search of education, escaping jihadist attacks, crossing the Sahara, and surviving capture by a Libyan gang and imprisonment. After two attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea, he was rescued by the NGO lifeboat Ocean Viking. Journalist Angela Nocioni aboard the lifeboat confirmed his story, and Oumar was later able to contact his father, who was unaware of his whereabouts. Oumar, showing signs of mistreatment and a healed broken bone, is now in Ancona, Italy, where efforts are being made to enroll him in school.

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Child Welfare Human Rights Immigration

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I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

Rights Groups, Activists Call For Criminalising 'Slavery-like' Child Domestic Labour

04 Jan 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Child Labour

Human rights and child rights activists, along with legal experts and government representatives, are advocating for the finalisation of a law to criminalise child domestic labour in Pakistan. The proposed Prohibition of Child Domestic Labour Bill 2024 aims to classify child domestic labour as a non-compoundable, non-bailable, and cognisable offence, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The bill seeks to amend existing laws to protect children under 18 from exploitation. Key stakeholders, including the National Commission on Rights of the Child and UNICEF, are involved in consultations to refine the bill, highlighting the urgent need to address the issue and protect children's rights.

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Human Rights Child Labour Legislation

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