Children and youth at the heart of Algeria’s priorities
Collective efforts allowed considerable progress towards the realization of child rights.
ALGIERS, 15 MAY 2018 – Following a visit to Algeria, the UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Geert Cappelaere, welcomed the continuous efforts towards the development, protection and well-being of children in the country.
During his visit, Mr. Cappelaere met with government officials including the Secretary General of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Education, Minister of Health, the Minister of Solidarity, and the President of the National Body for the Protection and Promotion of Childhood, and other UNICEF’s partners to discuss the situation of children and programmes undertaken for the realization of their rights.
He visited a primary school that runs integrated classrooms for children with disability. Mr. Cappelaere congratulated the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Solidarity for their work with civil society to advance inclusion of children with disability to education and society.
In the field of child protection, the Regional Director welcomed the progress of Algeria in strengthening its legal framework with, in particular, the adoption of the Child Protection Law in July 2015, the creation of the national body for the protection and promotion of childhood, as well as a child helpline accessible to every child, their legal representatives, or any person or entity suspecting a violation of child rights.
Mr. Cappelaere, accompanied by Ms Salima Souakri, UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador in Algeria, conducted a visit to a centre for children deprived of family care. He praised the dedication of social workers providing quality care. He also welcomed Algeria’s intentions to strengthen foster care as an alternative to placing children separated from their families in institutions.
Finally, following his meetings with civil society, UN agencies, and international partners’ representatives, Mr Cappelaere called for continued cooperation and synergies among programmes and actors, especially for the most disadvantaged children, in order to contribute to Algeria’s efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030
Mr. Cappelaere concluded: "Over the coming years, UNICEF will continue to work with the Government of Algeria and all national and international partners to keep investing in children and promote Algeria’s experience at the international level”.
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