State Responsibility for the Protection of Rights of Children Deprived of their Family Environment: The Ethiopian Perspective
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2009-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The international, regional and natiollal systems recognize the right of children
deprived of their ftunily environment and the right to special protection and assistance
to be provided by states. However, in many countries, weak infrastructure alld limited
distribution systems complicate the right to access to proper alternative care
mechanisms as stated under the CRC and ACR We. This has resulted in the realization
of children's right to alternative care setting a difflculty.
Ethiopia has ratified a variety of international and regional hUJ1J.an right instruments
and has adopted constitutional provisions on the rights of the child. However, mere
ratification and adoption of treaties does not warrant the applicatioll of the right itself.
CDFE in Ethiopia wonder on the streets because they have no families, food, hOllle or
shelter, sometimes abused by adults, anc/lor other children. All what these childrell
have ill common is the total absence of the special safeguard and care which they need
by reason of their physical and mental immaturity. In the presence of these grim
realities about CDFE, the countly cannot be said to have discharged its responsibility
under international and regional human rights laws.
CDFE are vulnerable. They are vulnerable because they are deprived of a natural
environment for their growth and well being. In view of this, they are in more need of
protection by governmental and non-governmental organizations. The recognition of
this need emanates from the numerous legal .1nd non-legal instruments adopted at
domestic, regional and international level. There is an abundance of mechanisms and
machinelY in place, both on the national as well as on the international scene.
However, forther has to be dOlle to make the rights of CDFE a reality.
Ethiopia has to study, analyze, and attack causes and factors that give rise to human
rights violations of CDEF. To that effect, revision and implementation of laws, policies
and programs that combine the provision of services and social and economic
opportunities, the protection of the vulnerable and their meaningfid participation are
essential to address the current crisis of children deprived of parental care.
There is no single blueprint for success - no "one size fits all" approach to find
answers to these complex issues. Responses must be adapted to the individual child in
his or her unique circumstances.
Description
Keywords
Law