Child Protection

What we want to do:

We want all children to know they are loved by God and their neighbours and to be cared for, protected and participating in the decisions that affect them and their lives. We are working towards this by:

  • Ensuring families and communities understand children’s rights
  • Helping families understand the importance of birth registration
  • Making sure children live in safe communities with adequate places to play and develop
  • Making sure children are respected and allowed to participate in decisions that affect them
  • Working with public and private sector partners to carefully highlight cases of violence against children in our country when it occurs and amplify victims’ voices, with our ‘It Takes Every Rwandan to End Child Exploitation’ Campaign
What is the problem?

Many harmful cultural and religious beliefs put children in Rwanda in danger. One of the biggest dangers for girls especially is the high prevalence of child marriages. Physical discipline remains a common practice. Lack of awareness and/or access to family planning resources means many children are often born too close together and many teenagers end up pregnant. Laws, short timelines and fees mean many children are not registered at birth. As a result:

  • Only 56% of children under 2 are registered
  • 17,500 child pregnancies were reported in 2016
  • 11.4% of children are working
How is World Vision addressing the issues?

We are working with the Government of Rwanda to make birth registration more accessible to families and helping families access the process. And, to improve family relationships, we are providing parents and faith leaders with a right understanding of the role of families and of Biblical discipline; one that does not involve physical aggression.

Is what World Vision doing working?

Yes! We are seeing more children whose births are registered, more parents and caregivers who feel their communities are a safe place for their children, and more champions for children’s rights in our communities.

What’s the impact?*
  • 14,376 children received birth certificates
  • 1,249 parents were trained in positive disciple techniques
  • 19,682 boys and girls learned about their rights

*Results from 2016 and 2017