Every year, the International Day of the African Child, also known as the Day of the African Child (DAC), is commemorated annually on June 16. The global event has been observed on June 16 since 1991, when it was first initiated by the OAU Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union). The day was established to honour the memory of the students who participated in the Soweto Uprising 1976. The day raises awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by African children and advocates for their rights and well-being. In this article, let’s learn more about the International Day of the African Child 2024 date, history and significance of the global event.

International Day of the African Child 2024 Date

International Day of the African Child 2024 is observed on June 16.

International Day of the African Child History

As per historical records, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long in South Africa’s Soweto, on June 16, 1976, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. In this protest, hundreds of young students were shot, the most famous of which being Hector Pieterson. Data reveals that more than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured.

International Day of the African Child Significance

International Day of the African Child is an important global awareness day that aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by African children, including access to education, health care, protection from violence and exploitation, and the overall improvement of their quality of life. The day pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the children who participated in the Soweto Uprising. The global event advocates for the rights of African children as outlined in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and other international agreements.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 16, 2024 09:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).