The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in collaboration with the Child Protection Support Unit (CAPE) of the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, launched this morning in Kolda an important training workshop for local elected officials.

This workshop is part of the implementation of the second phase of the Project to Support the Protection of Children Victims of Rights Violations (PAPEV), supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The initiative's ambition is clear: to make municipalities "true bulwarks for children," by acting as closely as possible to their realities and needs.

For five days, participants will benefit from a rich program structured around three key moments.

Technical training (December 1st to 3rd)

Twenty-four (24) mayors and nine (9) directors of Regional Development Agencies will be trained on the national and international legal framework for children's rights. They will also be equipped with child rights-sensitive planning and budgeting tools, essential for effectively integrating protection into local policies.

Community Advocacy (December 4)

This day will be dedicated to community advocacy, led by committed young women. The goal is to strengthen mobilization around their rights, their protection, and their civic participation.

Thematic conference (December 5)

The final day will address two major emerging issues at the heart of concerns related to the well-being of children and adolescents: online child protection and mental health.

This workshop is considered a decisive step towards fairer, more inclusive, and more protective local governance. It aims to strengthen the commitment of local authorities to ensure that every child, everywhere in Senegal, can grow up in a safe environment that respects their rights and fosters their development.

This is a concrete commitment to putting child protection at the heart of local public action.