Children’s Rights In Senegal

Senegal is a country found in West Africa, bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia. Senegal is known as a country committed to the protection of children. This is evidenced by the fact that Senegal has both ratified and acceded to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines the human rights of all children up until the age of 18.

Rights in the DOM

Within the DOM (Domaine d’Actions Prioritaires) of Senegal, there is an emphasis on the strong protection of children’s rights. Some of the commitments highlighted within this document include:

    • Health: The right of all children to access adequate healthcare.

 

    • Education: The right of all children to access free education and to attend school.

 

    • Protection: A strong commitment to protecting all children from sexual exploitation, forced labour and all instances of violence.

 

Rights out with the DOM

Senegal is committed to ensuring that children’s rights outside of the DOM are also respected and adequately protected. This includes the following:

    • Birth Registration: All children have the right to have their births registered, a process which helps to ensure that they are recognized by the state and thus protected under the law.

 

    • Child Labour: Senegal is committed to eliminating any instances of child labour that are deemed to be exploitative or harmful.

 

    • Access to Justice: Senegal has committed to ensuring that children have access to justice and legal assistance when appropriate.

 

    • Juvenile Justice: Senegal is obliged to protect children from any illegal detention and to ensure that young offenders are dealt with in accordance to the law as outlined in the juvenile code.

 

In conclusion, Senegal is a country that is committed to the rights of all children and has taken measures to ensure that these rights are respected and protected. This commitment is evidence in both the DOM and in other areas that go beyond the DOM.