undertaking various programmes that
give primacy to the promotion of
their human rights and human
welfare. The right and plight of
children is thus at the centre of its
mandate. 48% of the total Eritrean
population is children under 18 years
of age and 56.5% live in rural areas
(NSO Data).
Age
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-17
Total
Male
269,380
217,553
255,267
157,826
900,026
52.1%
Female
262,390
206,244
226,530
132,104
827,268
47.9%
Total
% of pop.
531,770
14.8
423,796
11.8
481,797
13.4
289,930
8.1
48.0
1,727,293
100
Social Distribution of Children across age and gender
325.
The National Codes and the established legal and institutional framework provide the
basis for the respect, protection and fulfillment of the rights of children. Due consideration is
also given to the Integrated Early Child Development policy and strategy. It is highly
recognized that children have the right to know and be cared for by their parents or
guardians, have access to education, health, and protection from all forms of exploitation
and abuse. The rights and care of children as well child offenders are also respected and
protected. There are thus provisions dealing with the apprehension, prosecution and
conviction of persons in conflict with the law. The rights are sanctioned by national law.
326.
The sacrosanctity of the rights and welfare of the child is also enshrined in all sector
policies of the Government. They uphold the respect, protection and fulfillment of the rights
of the child, in particular in dignified life, judicial justice and social development. The
National Policy on Children produced with the active participation of appropriate
government institutions and all stakeholders also guides the approaches, strategic options
and course of actions. A government working group made of relevant sectors and national
organizations also coordinates the effort and oversees the Conventions of the Rights of the
Child (CRC) and African Charter for the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) follow
up under the jurisdiction of the MoLHW.
327.
In this context, effective enforcement and monitoring is conducted on implementation
and redress any wrong doing committed against children as well as petty offences committed
by children. Child wellbeing committees have been established in 43 sub-regions to expedite
the policies and regulations of child rights and the implementation of CRC and ACRWC.
This has been consolidated by the partnerships forged between government institutions and
national organizations. Advocacy and strengthening of awareness on the rights and welfare
of the child has been strengthened as one of the main means to ensure the rights of children.
NUEW, the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS), the National
Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW), the Association of People Living with
HIV/AIDS and other national as well community associations and organizations have been
instrumental in promoting advocacy and awareness.
328.
The MoLHW organizes training courses for community and religious leaders. The
training focuses on issues related to child rights, effects of violence on children, prevention
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