The protection of children's rights is an issue of global importance, and Cape Verde is no exception. This report aims to explore the state[9] of children's rights in Cape Verde, analysing the legal framework, public policies and the challenges faced in the effective implementation of these rights. Cape Verde, as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Childis committed to ensuring that all children in the country have access to fundamental rights[1]Such as education, health and protection from abuse.
In recent years, the Cape Verdean government has made significant efforts to bring its domestic policies in line with international standards of human rights[2]. A Constitution[3] of Cape Verde and the Family Code are examples of legal instruments that incorporate fundamental principles of child protection. In addition, the country has implemented social programmes aimed at improving the well-being of children, especially in rural areas and disadvantaged communities.
Despite the progress, there are still significant challenges that need to be tackled. Issues such as child labour, domestic violence and unequal access to education remain pressing concerns. Non-governmental organisations and international agencies, such as UNICEFhave played a crucial role in supporting the government and promoting initiatives aimed at protecting and developing children.
This report aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of children's rights in Cape Verde, highlighting both the progress made and the areas that need urgent attention. Through an approach based on data and evidence, we hope to contribute to strengthening public policies and promoting a safer and fairer environment for all Cape Verdean children.
Index
Cape Verde has developed a robust legal framework for the protection of children's rights, in line with international standards. The Constitution of the Republic of Cape Verde establishes the protection of children's rights as a duty of the State, the society[6] and the family. In addition, the country is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified in 1992, committing itself to adapting its domestic laws to guarantee the full protection of children (UNICEF).
A Law[10] The Child and Adolescent Protection Act (Law no. 50/VIII/2013) is one of the main legal instruments guaranteeing children's rights in Cape Verde. This law establishes guidelines for protection against child abuse, exploitation and child labour, as well as ensuring the protection of children's rights. law[11] to education, health and a safe family environment. The legislation also provides for the creation of specialised child protection institutions, such as the Cape Verdean Institute for Children and Adolescents (ICCA) (Government of Cape Verde).
Social protection policies in Cape Verde are fundamental to promoting children's rights. The National Action Plan for Children (PNAI) is an example of this. politics[7] This is a public plan that aims to guarantee the protection and all-round development of children. This plan covers areas such as health, education, social protection and justice[12]with the aim of creating a safe and favourable environment for children's development (UNICEF Cape Verde).
In the field of education, the Cape Verdean government has implemented policies to increase access to and the quality of basic and secondary education. Education is compulsory from the age of 6 to 15, and the state has invested in teacher training programmes and improved school infrastructure to ensure that all children have access to a quality education (Cape Verde Ministry of Education).
Protection against violence and exploitation is a priority in Cape Verde's child protection policies. The country has implemented various measures to combat sexual abuse[8] and child exploitation, including awareness-raising campaigns and training for professionals working with children. The Cape Verdean Penal Code has been updated to include harsher penalties for crimes against children, and the police have specialised units to deal with cases of child violence (UNODC).
In addition, Cape Verde participates in regional and international initiatives to combat child trafficking and sexual exploitation, collaborating with organisations such as INTERPOL and the African Union to strengthen investigative and victim protection capacities (INTERPOL).
Children's health and well-being are essential components of Cape Verde's protection policies. The government has implemented public health programmes aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving nutrition and prenatal care. O System[13] The National Health Service offers free vaccinations and basic health care for all children, with the aim of ensuring a healthy start in life (Cape Verde Ministry of Health).
School nutrition programmes are also implemented to combat malnutrition and promote healthy eating habits among schoolchildren. These programmes are key to ensuring that children have the energy and nutrients they need for proper physical and cognitive development (FAO).
The participation of children in decision-making processes that affect their lives is a fundamental principle of child protection policies in Cape Verde. The country promotes the creation of municipal councils for children and adolescents, where young people can express their opinions and contribute to the development of public policies that directly affect them (Save the Children).
In addition, human rights education campaigns are carried out in schools to make children aware of their rights and responsibilities, encouraging them to become more aware of their rights and responsibilities. culture[14] respect and active citizenship from an early age. These initiatives are essential for empowering children and ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in Cape Verdean society (Amnesty International).
Cape Verde, an archipelago made up of several islands, faces significant challenges in the uniform implementation of children's rights due to regional inequalities. The most remote islands often have limited access to essential services such as health and education, which directly affects children's well-being. According to data from the UNICEFAs a result, children in rural areas have less access to quality healthcare and educational opportunities compared to those living in urban areas. This results in disparities in child development and the realisation of fundamental rights.
One of the main obstacles to the effective implementation of children's rights in Cape Verde is limited financial and human resources. The budget allocated to child protection programmes is often insufficient to cover all needs, especially in areas such as health, education and social protection. According to World BankCape Verde faces fiscal restrictions that limit its ability to invest in infrastructure and social services, negatively impacting the quality and accessibility of services offered to children.
The inadequate training of professionals who work directly with children, such as teachers, social workers and health professionals, is another significant challenge. The lack of continuous and specialised training limits the effectiveness of interventions aimed at protecting and promoting children's rights. Initiatives to improve the training and qualifications of these professionals are crucial to ensuring that children receive adequate support and that their rights are respected in all contexts. Organisations such as Save the Children have worked in partnership with the government to offer training programmes, but coverage is still limited.
Cultural and social norms in Cape Verde can also represent barriers to the implementation of children's rights. In some communities, traditional practices can conflict with children's rights, such as child marriage and physical discipline. Awareness-raising and community education are essential to change perceptions and practices that violate children's rights. Awareness campaigns carried out by organisations such as Amnesty International have been implemented to promote cultural change, but progress is gradual and requires continuous efforts.
Coordination between different institutions and sectors involved in protecting children's rights is often inadequate, resulting in gaps in the implementation of policies and programmes. The lack of communication[4] Effective coordination and collaboration between government agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders can lead to duplication of effort and inefficient use of resources. Improving inter-institutional coordination is vital to ensure an integrated and holistic approach to child protection, as recommended by reports from the European Commission. UNODC.
Although children's participation in decision-making processes is recognised as important, in practice it is often limited. Children rarely have the opportunity to express their opinions on issues that directly affect their lives. Strengthening mechanisms for children's participation and ensuring that their voices are heard and respected is an ongoing challenge. Initiatives such as the municipal children's councils mentioned in previous reports are a step in the right direction, but they need to be expanded and strengthened to achieve a wider impact.
The lack of robust monitoring and evaluation systems makes it difficult to measure progress and identify areas in need of improvement. Without accurate and up-to-date data, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the policies and programmes implemented. Establishing effective monitoring mechanisms is crucial to ensuring that children's rights are protected and promoted in a continuous and sustainable manner. Collaboration with international organisations can help develop local capacities for data collection and analysis, as suggested by initiatives by UNICEF.
Although Cape Verde has made significant progress in protecting children's rights, challenges remain in several areas. Addressing these issues requires ongoing commitment and coordinated efforts between the government, civil society and the international community. The effective implementation of children's rights is essential to ensure that all children in Cape Verde have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and healthy environment.
In Cape Verde, education is a fundamental pillar for the development of children and the promotion of social inclusion. The Cape Verdean government, in partnership with international organisations, has implemented various programmes to guarantee access to quality education for all children. One notable example is the Inclusive Education Programme, which aims to integrate children with special needs into the mainstream education system, promoting equal opportunities (UNICEF).
In addition, the Basic Education Support Programme (PAEB) aims to improve school infrastructure and provide adequate teaching materials, especially in rural and remote areas. This programme is crucial to reducing regional inequalities in access to education, a significant challenge in Cape Verde. Data from the Ministry of Education indicates that since the implementation of PAEB, the enrolment rate in basic education has increased significantly, reaching 95% in 2023.
Health and nutrition are essential components for the integral development of children. Cape Verde has implemented specific programmes to improve children's health, such as the National Vaccination Programme, which guarantees free immunisation against preventable diseases. This programme has been key to reducing infant mortality, which fell to 20 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
Another important programme is the School Feeding Programme, which provides nutritious meals for schoolchildren, combating malnutrition and promoting healthy eating habits. This programme is especially relevant in vulnerable communities, where food insecurity is a constant concern. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) supports this programme, providing technical assistance and resources for its effective implementation (FAO).
Protecting children from violence and exploitation is a priority in Cape Verde. The country has adopted legal measures and intervention programmes to protect children from physical, psychological and sexual abuse. The Programme to Prevent and Combat Child Violence, for example, offers psychological and legal support services for victims of violence, as well as awareness campaigns to prevent such abuse.
This programme is complemented by training initiatives for professionals who work with children, such as social workers and educators, so that they can identify and respond appropriately to cases of abuse. Collaboration with non-governmental organisations, such as Save the Children, has been crucial to the success of these initiatives (Save the Children).
Although children's participation in decision-making processes has already been addressed in previous reports, it is important to highlight new initiatives aimed at further empowering children in Cape Verde. Recently, discussion forums have been set up in schools where children can express their opinions on issues that affect their lives, such as the environment and health.
These forums are accompanied by human rights training programmes, which educate children about their rights and responsibilities, encouraging active citizenship from an early age. The implementation of these programmes has shown positive results, with an increase in children's participation in community activities and in the formulation of local public policies (Amnesty International).
Psychological and social support is a critical area for the well-being of children, especially those in vulnerable situations. Cape Verde has developed psychosocial support programmes that offer counselling and emotional support services for children and their families. These services are essential for helping children facing traumatic situations, such as domestic violence or the loss of family members.
The Psychosocial Support Programme for Children and Adolescents, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), provides training for psychologists and social workers, ensuring that they are prepared to deal with the complex emotional needs of children. This programme also promotes the integration of mental health[5] in schools, facilitating access to the necessary support for children at risk (UNICEF).
These initiatives and programmes demonstrate Cape Verde's commitment to promoting and protecting children's rights, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. Continued collaboration between the government, international organisations and civil society is essential to overcome existing challenges and advance the implementation of children's rights in the country.
The report on children's rights in Cape Verde reveals a significant commitment by the country to align its policies and legislation with international standards, especially after ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992. The creation of a robust legal framework, including the Law for the Protection of Children and Adolescents, and the implementation of social policies such as the National Action Plan for Children, demonstrate efforts to guarantee the integral protection of children. Inclusive education and health programmes, such as the National Vaccination Programme and the School Feeding Programme, are key to promoting child development and reducing regional inequalities (UNICEF Cape Verde, FAO).
However, the report also highlights persistent challenges such as regional inequalities, limited resources and cultural barriers that hinder the uniform implementation of children's rights. Inadequate training of professionals and a lack of inter-institutional coordination are significant obstacles that need continued attention. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to strengthen professional training, improve coordination between agencies and promote the active participation of children in decision-making processes. Continued collaboration with international organisations and civil society will be crucial to ensure that all children in Cape Verde grow up in a safe and healthy environment, with their rights fully respected and promoted (Save the Children, Amnesty International).
English 
Portuguese 
French