The Day of the African Child demonstrates the importance of defending children's rights in the digital space.

Libreville, June 16th 2023: The Day of the African Child is celebrated annually on the 16^th of June. Its aim is to commemorate the SOWETO children's uprising of 1976, during which thousands of South African students protested the apartheid government's use of Afrikaans as their language of instruction in Bantu schools. The uprising resulted in the deaths of hundreds of students and is considered a turning point in the struggle against apartheid.

Nowadays, the Day of the African Child is an opportunity to celebrate the realization of the rights of the African child, in line with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The purpose is also to raise awareness of the challenges that children face. One of the most pressing challenges facing African children today is a lack of access to digital technology.

These rights include not only children's rights to protection from all forms of violence, but also their rights to participation and expression of opinion. Without adequate safeguards, children will be at a greater risk of harm online. Children face the same dangers online as they do offline, and therefore must be protected

To mark the Day of the African Child in Gabon, UNICEF, UNICEF Ambassador Gwen Madiba  and NGO OTIMA are co-organizing two days of events on the 16^th and 17^th of June 2023. The private sector is also aware of the importance of the day, and companies including Airtel, Eramet, Groupe Prix Import and FMCT are supporting the event, which will take place at the Baie des Rois. In addition to the presidential events, awareness will be spread through the dissemination of free messages by Airtel about the protection of children online and the misuse of the Internet against young people. These will be based on the law on the Children's Code in the Gabonese Republic. Around 200 children from 9 reception centers across Libreville are expected to participate in the event.

UNICEF is calling on the government, businesses, and individuals to support efforts to bridge the digital divide in Africa. By working together, we can ensure that all Gabonese children can participate in the digital economy and build a better future for themselves and their communities.