Luanda: The fight against violence against children has become a priority for the Angolan Government amidst reports of approximately 13,000 incidents of child violence from January to April this year. These incidents include cases of sexual violence against minors, paternity evasion, and physical and psychological abuse, which have received attention from institutions dedicated to addressing these issues, including providing psychological support for victims.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the director-general of the National Children’s Institute (INAC), Paulo Kalesi, shared this information in an interview within the context of June 1, International Children’s Day. Kalesi emphasized that every child has the right to education, health, love, food, protection, and the opportunity to grow up in a peaceful and harmonious environment. He urged greater family involvement in daily child monitoring to ensure a secure and peaceful atmosphere.
Kalesi highlighted the worrying reality of child violence, especi
ally since around 50 percent of Angola’s population consists of children. In 2024, the National Children’s Institute reported over 36,000 cases of violence against children nationwide, with most affecting children aged zero to 12 years. Kalesi called for the involvement of churches and civil society organizations in raising awareness and reporting cases of child abuse.
He noted that International Children’s Day, first marked in 1950 by the United Nations (UN), aims to promote awareness of children’s rights, protection, well-being, and holistic development. The day serves to remind communities worldwide of the challenges children face, including poverty, lack of affection, and maltreatment.
International Children’s Day is celebrated annually on June 1st, established during the 1925 World Conference for the Welfare of Children in Geneva. The UN also recognizes November 20 as World Children’s Day, marking the approval of the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rig
hts of the Child in 1989. On this day, Member States acknowledged every child’s right to love, understanding, adequate food, medical care, free education, protection from exploitation, and a peaceful upbringing.