Every Child Matters

• At the Uganda Child Rights Protection Mission (UCRPM), we believe that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy, loving, and supportive environment where they can fully enjoy their rights and achieve their potential.

• Children's rights are fundamental freedoms and protections that belong to every child simply because they are human beings. These rights are recognized under the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, national laws, and international child protection principles.

• UCRPM is committed to promoting, protecting, defending, and advancing these rights for all children aged seventeen (17) years and below across Uganda.

What Are Children's Rights?

Children's rights are legal, social, educational, health, protection, and development rights that ensure every child grows in safety, dignity, equality, and opportunity.

These rights apply to all children regardless of:

• Gender

• Tribe

• Religion

• Disability

• Economic status

• Family background

• Location

• Nationality

• Social circumstances

• The Rights We Protect

Right to Life

Every child has the right to life, survival, protection, and development.

Children should be protected from violence, harmful practices, and situations that threaten their wellbeing.

Right to Education

Every child has the right to quality education.

This includes:

• Access to school

• Equal learning opportunities

• Safe learning environments

• Educational support

• Digital learning opportunities

• Skills development

• No child should be denied education because of poverty, disability, gender, or social background.

Right to Healthcare

Every child has the right to access healthcare services that promote physical and mental wellbeing.

This includes:

• Medical treatment

• Immunization

• Nutrition

• Hygiene

• Sanitation

• Mental health support

Right to Protection from Abuse

Every child has the right to be protected from:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Violence

• Exploitation

• Harassment

• UCRPM maintains zero tolerance for all forms of abuse against children.

Right to Protection from Child Labor

Children should not be forced into work that:

• Interferes with education

• Harms their health

• Threatens their safety

• Exploits their vulnerability

• Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and develop.

Right to Protection from Early and Forced Marriage

Children have the right to enjoy childhood free from early and forced marriages.

UCRPM advocates against practices that deprive children of education, safety, and opportunities for development.

Right to Identity

Every child has the right to:

• A name

• Family identity

• Nationality

• Legal recognition

• Identity is essential for accessing services and opportunities.

Right to Family Care and Protection

Every child deserves care, guidance, and protection from parents, guardians, or caregivers.

Where family support is limited, communities and institutions have a responsibility to help protect children.

Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination

Every child has equal rights.

No child should face discrimination because of:

• Gender

• Religion

• Tribe

• Disability

• Economic status

• Family background

• Social circumstances

Right to Participation

Children have the right to express their views and participate in matters affecting their lives.

Their voices should be heard and respected in age-appropriate ways.

Right to Freedom of Religion and Belief

Children have the right to learn about and practice religion in accordance with the guidance of their families and applicable laws.

UCRPM respects all recognized religions and promotes peaceful coexistence.

Right to Recreation, Play, and Leisure

Children have the right to:

• Play

• Sports

• Recreation

• Cultural activities

• Talent development

• These activities contribute to healthy development and wellbeing.

Right to Information

Children should have access to information that supports:

• Learning

• Personal development

• Safety

• Health

• Digital literacy

• Children should also be protected from harmful information and online risks.

Right to Safety During Emergencies

Children must be protected during:

1. Conflicts

2. Wars

3. Disasters

4. Disease outbreaks

5. Community emergencies

6. Special attention should be given to their safety and wellbeing during crises.

Right to Development

Every child has the right to develop physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and intellectually.

This includes access to:

• Education

• Healthcare

• Nutrition

• Mentorship

• Skills training

• Opportunities for growth

• Challenges Affecting Children in Uganda

• Many children continue to face challenges such as:

• Poverty

• School dropout

• Child labor

• Abuse and violence

• Early marriage

• Exploitation

• Trafficking

• Lack of healthcare

• Disability-related barriers

• Hunger and malnutrition

• Digital exclusion

• Neglect

• Discrimination

UCRPM works to address these challenges through advocacy, awareness, partnerships, and community engagement.

Our Commitment

The Uganda Child Rights Protection Mission (UCRPM) is committed to:

• Protecting children's rights

• Promoting child welfare

• Supporting vulnerable children

• Strengthening child safeguarding

• Raising awareness

• Empowering communities

• Building partnerships

• Creating opportunities for children

• We believe that protecting childhood today helps build a stronger Uganda tomorrow.

• If a Child Needs Help

• If you are aware of a child facing:

• Abuse

• Neglect

• Violence

• Exploitation

• Child labor

• Early marriage

• Denial of education

• Any violation of rights