(30 August 2017) The Italian government’s efforts to protect vulnerable children continues with the launch of the initiative “Integrated Protection of Childhood in Favour of Abandoned Children and Unaccompanied Minors in the State of Khartoum and in Eastern States”. The programme is financed by AICS (the Italian agency or development cooperation) with E1,000,000. It will be carried out by UNICEF in close collaboration with the AICS Khartoum. “One the one hand, the initiative aims to strengthen protective measures of infants in favour of migrant unaccompanied minors who are exposed to risks connected to the migratory crisis and human trafficking. On the other hand, its goal is also to improve the quality of life of abandoned children with a particular attention to children with disabilities from the Mygoma institute as well as to strengthen the leadership system (Kafala) in Khartoum, Port Sudan, and Tokar thus promoting the process of de-institutionalisation of orphan minors” as a statement from the Italian Embassy reads. The programme fits in with the initiatives of AICS in Sudan and Sudanese authorities’ strategies that are deeply committed to protecting children. “Vulnerable groups are a priority for the Italian Cooperation system in Sudan and this initiative is a new demonstration of the growing commitment by part of Italy in the protection and promoting of minors’ rights” according to a declaration by the Chargé D’Affairs of the Italian Embassy, Valeria Romare. “It is important to work in harmony with all the interested and committed players in improving the quality of life of minors”. “In particular, it is crucial to involve CSOs (Civil Society Organisations)” echoed the Country Representative of UNICEF Sudan, Abdullah Fadil. The secretary general of the National Council for the Protection of Childhood, Sued Abdalaal thanked the Italian government and AICS for their generous contribution and UNICEF for their efforts towards the initiative. He also underlined the importance of sensitising and advocacy that will be featured in the programme with the aim to produce a social change in the outlook towards the situation of abandoned children and unaccompanied migrant minors and to develop a shared effort of institutions and civil society for the inclusion of childhood protection as a transversal and inter-sectorial priority in the development of public policies. (Red)
