YOBAC aims at defending the rights of a refugee child and all children at large.

This program, one of the core human rights instruments established by YOBAC in Kyangwali refugee settlement, has become the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and has helped transform refugee children’s lives in the settlement and host community. But still not every child gets to enjoy a full childhood. Still, too many childhoods are cut short. It is up to our generation to demand that governments, businesses and communities fulfil their commitments and take action for child rights now, once and for all. They must commit to making sure every child, has every right. YOBAC defines a child as a human being under the age of 18.

YOBAC’s overarching concern is that everything must always be undertaken to promote and protect what is in the best interest of the child in all circumstances. It affirms that all children need to live in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding, however school closures due to COVID-19 have interrupted the education of millions of children and youth. The most vulnerable among them have been denied access to basic services like meal programs; resource personnel; recreation programs; extracurricular activities; and water, sanitation, and hygiene also known as WASH. Confined to their homes, these children are at risk of experiencing hunger and violence. Reported cases of sexual and physical violence against children have also increased during this pandemic.

Half of the refugee population in the world are below the age of 18. Though refugee children often flee from high levels of conflict, violence against children (VAC) can be especially pervasive mid-flight and at their destination of asylum, according to the UN Agency of Refugees. The disruption of households and community structures in refugee settings increases children’s vulnerability to multiple forms of violence, including child labor, trafficking, early marriage, and sexual exploitation, and abuse.

YOBAC together with the partners is  implementing the project called; Ending violence against, Children, youth & adolescent and promoting life skills for improved livelihood financed by the Children’s Rights and Violence Prevention Fund (CRVPF) supporting refugee and host communities through three types of subprojects: (i) social and economic services and infrastructures, including health, education(ii) sustainable environment and natural resources management; and (iii) livelihoods, YOBAC is working to make  a tangible difference in improving the quality of life for host community and refugee children. With YOBAC’s contribution and support from partners, we expect to improve the education of children with better educational facilities and enhanced learning environment, resulting in higher primary school enrollment, especially of girls. Improved health and WASH facilities will contribute to lowering morbidity and mortality incidences among children in the refugee settlement.

 Education: YOBAC is managing a primary school in Kyangwali refugee settlement, The schools can expose children to risk of violence, which is being mitigated by designing child-safe buildings that also cater to children with disabilities. Our school is going to include safe, hygienic, and inclusive water and sanitation facilities located close to classrooms. Additionally, teacher training on reporting and referring violence against children will be essential, especially to address the immediate and long-term psychosocial impacts that children are likely to experience as a result, To address a number of these challenges, YOBAC has attempted to understand drivers of these risks and services that are available for both refugees and host community members. This mapping of violence against children and broader gender-based violence (GBV) services is providing an important evidence base for strengthening services and defining YOBAC’s role in appropriately responding to the risks

Livelihoods: YOBAC understands that efforts to rebuild livelihoods programs can increase the risks of violence against children, if appropriate safe­guards are not in place. For instance, children may be forced to drop out of school to care for siblings, while parents participate in livelihood activities. Similarly, interventions targeting adolescent girls without attention to the community gender and cultural norms and/or the risks associated with shifting gender roles may increase their exposure to domestic violence or sexual violence. Thus, livelihoods and economic empowerment programs should be designed in ways that enhance prevention and response to violence against children. As reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals, protecting children from all forms of violence is a global priority. Among the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is the increased incidences of violence against children. Youth Organization for Building African Communities and its partners with the support from CRVPF addresses and prevents violence against children to create an environment for children’s empowerment and participation.