Every child has the fundamental right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from harm, abuse, and exploitation. Protection from violence, neglect, and harmful practices is essential for a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological development. ACRIF is committed to ensuring that children are safeguarded from all forms of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual exploitation, child labor, trafficking, and psychological intimidation.
To achieve this, ACRIF takes a holistic approach to child protection, working closely with families, communities, and institutions to build strong support systems. We implement awareness programs that educate parents, caregivers, and community leaders on recognizing and preventing child abuse. By strengthening child protection structures, we help create safe spaces where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
In addition to protection, ACRIF emphasizes the importance of child participation. Children have the right to express their views, be heard, and take an active role in matters affecting their lives. We empower children through leadership and advocacy programs, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to speak up against abuse and demand their rights.
ACRIF’s child protection strategy focuses on six key priority areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safeguarding children. Through policy advocacy, legal support, community engagement, and rehabilitation services, we work to eliminate harmful practices and create a safer world where every child can grow, learn, and participate without fear.
Gender-based violence (GBV) and female genital mutilation (FGM) are pervasive issues that violate the rights and dignity of girls and women. ACRIF is committed to ending GBV and FGM through comprehensive programs that include education, legal advocacy, and community engagement and awareness. We also work with survivors to provide medical, psychological, and social support, and empower girls and women to stand up against these harmful practices.
Child labor remains a critical issue in many parts of Africa, where children are often forced into hazardous work due to economic pressures. ACRIF is dedicated to eradicating child labor by working with governments, communities, and both International and National Non-Government Organizations to enforce laws that protect children from exploitation.
Child trafficking is a severe violation of children’s rights, involving the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of minors. ACRIF collaborates with law enforcement, government agencies, and NGOs to prevent child trafficking and provide rehabilitation services for victims. Our initiatives include community education campaigns, strengthening legal frameworks, and offering support services such as counseling, Healthcare, education, and vocational training for rescued children.
ACRIF works to end child marriage by raising awareness of its detrimental effects on girls’ health, education, and future prospects. Child marriage is a widespread practice in many African countries, often driven by poverty, cultural traditions, and lack of education. We support communities through our programs that promote the rights of girls, provide education and vocational training, and engage local leaders and families in the fight against child marriage.
Every child has the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives and to have their voice heard and taken seriously. This fundamental right ensures that children are not just passive recipients of decisions but active agents in shaping their own futures and the societies they live in. ACRIF recognizes that children possess unique perspectives and insights that can contribute to more effective and just governance at all levels – from their families and communities to local and national structures.
ACRIF strives to reform juvenile justice systems to ensure that children are treated fairly and humanely. We advocate for the use of restorative justice practices, alternatives to detention, and the provision of legal aid and support services. Our goal is to help children reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism through education, vocational training, and community support.
Orphans and vulnerable children often face significant challenges, including poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. ACRIF supports Orphans and vulnerable children by providing full care that addresses their physical, emotional, and educational needs.
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ACRIF (former ANPPCAN Somaliland) is a development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls and boys
