Refugee Children in Ghana join Ghanaian children in celebrating World Children’s Day

5 Children from 3 refugee camps in Ghana were part of Ghana’s first official Children’s Parliament

Refugee children are part of first official children’s parliament inaugurated in Ghana
© UNHCR Ghana

By Patience Folley  |  17 Dec 2019

5 Children from 3 refugee camps in Ghana were part of Ghana’s first official Children’s Parliament which was inaugurated during a Children’s Day Summit in Accra as part of activities to mark International Children’s Day on November 20 this year.

The event which also formed part of activities marking the 30th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child saw 80 Child Parliamentarians from all 16 regions of the country including refugee children who used the opportunity to raise critical issues concerning children in Ghana.

The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt Hon.Professor Mike Oquaye urged all to be reminded of their obligations towards children. He called on society to impart good values in children while ensuring that the rights of children were not abused. Professor Oquaye added that the formation of the Children’s Parliament will provide an opportunity for all to reaffirm their commitment to the rights of children.

The refugee children who could not hide their excitement having the opportunity to be part of a historical event, thanked the Ministry and the organizers for standing with refugees and making them feel a sense of belonging.

“It’s not because we’re enjoying our rights that we should not respect adults. Rights come with responsibilities”

Grace Kasso

Grace Kasso, a refugee child from Egyeikrom Camp urged children to respect the elderly as they seek for their rights to be respected. “It’s not because we’re enjoying our rights that we should not respect adults; Rights come with responsibilities and we must learn to carry out our responsibilities as children and respect the views of other people” she said.

The Children’s Parliament was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with UNICEF and other Partners.