UN EXPERT URGES GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMMUNITY ACTION TO PROTECT CHILDREN

By Precious Mupenzi

• Democratic countries like South Africa, with vibrant civil societies, tend to fare better in protecting children’s rights compared to authoritarian regimes, according to Professor Philip Jaffé.
• The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child member and Director at the Centre for Children’s Rights Studies at the University of Geneva, spoke on the sidelines of the 2025 Africa Children’s Summit in Johannesburg.
• Despite the challenges children globally face, Professor Jaffé remains hopeful that with community action, international solidarity, and the continued push for stronger child protection systems, change is possible.

As the Africa Children’s Summit continues to unfold, DSDtv caught up with Professor Philip Jaffé, a distinguished member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Director at the Centre for Children’s Rights Studies at the University of Geneva.

In an interview with Eastern Cape Department of Social Development’s Head of Communication, Mzukisi Solani, on the sidelines of the summit, Professor Jaffé reflected on the state of children’s rights across the globe, particularly within conflict-affected regions in Africa.

“Generally speaking, democratic countries like South Africa, with vibrant civil societies, tend to fare better in protecting children’s rights compared to authoritarian regimes,” Jaffé said. “But wealth alone does not determine how well children are treated. It certainly helps, but it is not the full picture.”

The professor expressed grave concern over the escalating number of armed conflicts, noting that in 2023, the world saw more active conflicts than ever before.

“One in six children globally lives within 50 kilometres of an active conflict. That’s staggering. These children live in constant uncertainty and fear, and many suffer lifelong trauma, whether directly as child soldiers or indirectly through the collapse of their education and community safety.”

Jaffé highlighted the devastating effects of conflict on child welfare in fragile regions such as the Horn of Africa, referencing conversations he had with delegates from Kenya and other affected areas. “It’s not just about the immediate trauma. It’s about the loss of innocence, the loss of a future.”

When asked about what can be done to shield children from such environments, Jaffé admitted there are no easy answers.

“If there were simple solutions, we would have implemented them already. The UN Secretary-General has emphasised the urgency of the matter, and there is a new global initiative titled ‘Prove That It Matters’, aiming to strengthen responses in conflict zones.”

On migration and integration

South Africa, which continues to receive displaced populations fleeing violence and poverty, is also grappling with how to ensure the well-being of migrant children.

“There’s a threshold to how much a society can absorb,” said Jaffé. “But integration is key. Children must be allowed to grow up knowing they are part of a shared humanity, regardless of where they come from. That’s the best path to peace and understanding.”

He emphasised the importance of solidarity – not just at a national level, but regionally and internationally – stressing that proper funding and shared responsibility among nations are crucial to supporting migrant children.

Human trafficking: a global scourge

Jaffé also sounded the alarm on the rise of human trafficking, particularly child trafficking.

“Everyone says children are the most precious beings on Earth, yet we allow them to be misused in the worst ways – sold, trafficked, exploited,” he stated.

“Whether it’s poverty, war, or organised crime, these systemic issues feed into this dark reality.”

He noted that in Europe, tens of thousands of registered migrant children have simply disappeared, likely swept into trafficking networks.

“This isn’t just an African problem. It’s a global one, and we need stronger collaboration between countries to tackle cross-border crimes against children.”

The role of communities

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Jaffé found hope in one key development: growing community ownership in child protection.

“We are seeing a shift. People no longer believe it’s only up to governments or international bodies like the UN.

“Communities, even in remote and under-resourced areas, are rising up and taking responsibility for their children’s safety. That’s human agency at work – and it’s something to celebrate.”

He referenced Norway as an example of how grassroots advocacy can lead to real change.

“Norway was the first country to ban corporal punishment of children in 1979, not because of politicians, but because a tragic case mobilised the public. Sometimes, out of terrible events, societies grow stronger.”

South Africa: progress and shortcomings

Jaffé applauded South Africa for its leadership in certain areas, such as its vocal stance on the Gaza crisis and the government’s efforts to protect affected children. However, he did not shy away from criticism.

“One of our ongoing concerns as the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is that South Africa has not done enough to curb child abuse. It’s not the worst globally, but the situation is serious and deserves urgent attention from both the government and the people.”

On accountability and the UN’s limitations

Closing off the conversation, Jaffé acknowledged the criticism often directed at the UN regarding its inability to hold states accountable for violating children’s rights.

“It’s a valid concern,” he admitted. “The structures we have today are a product of a post-World War II world. They’re insufficient in many ways to compel states to honour their treaty obligations.

“Until we have mechanisms with teeth – tools that go beyond recommendations – it will remain a struggle to enforce accountability.”

Yet, he remains hopeful that with community action, international solidarity, and the continued push for stronger child protection systems, change is possible.

“The mere fact that we’re having this conversation – and that it’s being led from Africa – is powerful. It signals a shift, and we must hold onto that momentum.”

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