Children's Rights and Obligations in Uganda: A Guide for Refugee Children in Uganda

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Children’s rights are a form of human rights. This article explains the different rights and obligations that refugee children have in Uganda. 

This article will define and explain:

• Children’s rights
• Rights of refugee children in Uganda
• Obligations of children
• Organisations dealing with children’s rights in Uganda

What are children’s rights?

Children rights are fundamental human rights that all children are entitled to regardless of their race, religion, gender, or any other characteristics. These rights cover their developmental and age-appropriate needs that change over time as a child grows up. Refugee children are entitled to children’s rights.

Rights of refugee children in Uganda

The following are the rights that refugee children have in Uganda.

• Right to Protection: Refugee children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and violence. This means that they should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
• Right to Education: Refugee children should be given equal opportunities as the national children in terms of access to schools and educational resources. Every refugee child has the right to education, which is provided free of charge in Uganda.
• Right to Healthcare: Refugee children have the right to access healthcare services, including immunization, preventive care, and treatment. In Uganda, they are given free and equal access to healthcare facilities and services as the host population.
• Right to Identity: Refugees have the right to be registered and issued with identity cards or documents that recognize their legal status. This helps in establishing their legal existence and prevents statelessness.
• Right to non-Discrimination: Refugee children should not be discriminated against based on their refugee status, nationality, or any other grounds. They have the right to be treated equally and without discrimination in all aspects of life.

Children’s obligations

In addition to rights, refugee children have obligations. This refers to the responsibility that refugee children have as members of the community.

Children’s obligations in Uganda include;

• Obligation to Respect Host Community: Refugee children have an obligation to respect the laws and customs of the host community. They should show respect for the local culture, traditions, and values.
• Obligation to Attend School: Refugee children have an obligation to attend school and actively participate in their education. They have the responsibility to excel academically and contribute positively to their own development and that of their communities.
• Obligation to Uphold the Law: Refugee children must abide by the laws of Uganda and to demonstrate good behavior. They should not engage in criminal activities or give rise to any harm to themselves or others.

Which organizations are responsible for dealing with children’s rights and obligations in Uganda?

Several organizations work with refugee and host communities to ensure the wellbeing of children. In Kampala and the settlement, Save the Children and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR are some of the organizations that provide guidance on children’s rights and obligations.

To get more information regarding refugee children’s rights and obligations in Uganda, contact

Save the Children Uganda

Phone: [phone] ·

Email: [e-mail]

In Kyaka II, Save the Children offices are in Bujubuli zone within the settlement.

In Kampala, Save the Children offices are on Tank Hill Road in Muyenga. 

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Plot 11/13, Mackenzie Close, Kololo, Kampala Uganda

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Care and Assistance for Forced Migrants (CAFOMI)

Plot 1011 Ntinda Bukoto Road (Nsimbiziwoome), Ntinda. Next to Victory City Church

Hours: 8am – 5pm

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]          

Alight

Located in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement

Bujubuli Village, Nkanja Sub-County, Kyegegwa District

Next to FCA offices

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