Jiregna Orginal

THE ROLE OF NGO THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS:
ASSOSA UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL STUDIES
THE ROLE OF NON GOVERNEMENT ORGANAZATION THE

PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS: THE
CASE OF ASSOSA TOWN
A SENIOR ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL

STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF ART (BA) IN CIVIC AND ETHICAL STUDIES.
BY JIREGNA ENDAlU ID NO, 1931/12
ADIVISOR: - Ma, ABEBE ZELEQE
MARCH, 2023,
ASSOSA ETHIOPIA
BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My deepest appreciation goes to Almighty GOD for HIS abundant mercies, blessings and grace
in my life.
I am also very grateful to my best Advisor Abebe Zeleqe for his direction, encouragement and
insightful comments during the research process.
Many thanks go to both NGOs project officials that found in Assosa town for giving me the
opportunity to use their project as a case study in this thesis. I am very grateful for their
contribution to my thesis. Specials thanks also go to my sister Ebise Endalu, for her unreserved
material support.
BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page I

ABSTRACT
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in recent times have become prominent in the
developmental agenda of most deprived societies across the globe. Through the adoption of
rights and participatory mechanisms in their development work, NGOs are able to help state
authorities to facilitate their development policies. In their quest to reduce poverty and
inequality, NGOs initiate and implement certain projects in specific areas within various
deprived communities. One such area is the promotion and protection of children’s rights
through the execution of projects. This study, therefore, identifies and critically examines the
impacts of Plan International’s projects on children’s rights promotion and protection in Adigrat
town. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodology was used for data collection and
analysis. Semi-structured interviews were used to get the perspectives of officials of the NGOs,
children and their families. In addition both close ended and open ended questionnaires were
employed. The theoretical framework used for this study was the alternative development theory
with specific emphasis on the rights- based approach to development. The general findings of
this study reveals that most of the children in the NGOs assisted communities have witnessed
improvements in the rights of their educational system, especially in the area of learning
environment and service delivery. The children are now being provided with the necessary skills
and tools to make them productive and facilitate the socio-economic development of their
community. However, few problems bothering on over-expectations on the NGO, on the part of
some members of the beneficiary communities and the inability of local government to fulfill
their obligations are challenges that the NGOs face in the course of this study.
Key words: Human, Human Right, Child, Child Right, Child Promotion and Protection
BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page II

ACRONYMS
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
UNCRC United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Right
UN United Nation
AU Africa Union
OAU Organization of Africa Union
ACRWC African Charter on the Right and Welfare of the Child
FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
WWII World War Second
CORC Committee on the Right of the Child
NCS National Children Strategy
CRA Children Right Alliance
BIC Best Interest of the Child
ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
ACHPR African Commission on Human and People Right
BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page III

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT PAGE
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................................................................... I
ABSTRACT............................................................................................................................................................. II
ACRONYMS..........................................................................................................................................................III
CHAPTER ONE.......................................................................................................................................................1
1.Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................1
1.1Background of the study.............................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 Statement of the problem..................................................................................................................3
1.1Objective of the Study.................................................................................................................................4
1.1.1 General Objective................................................................................................................................4
1.1.2 Specific Objective................................................................................................................................4
1.1.3 Research Question..............................................................................................................................4
1.1.4Significance of the Study......................................................................................................................4
1.2 Scope of the Study......................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Limitation of the Study...............................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2............................................................................................................................................................6
2 Review of Related Literature.............................................................................................................................6
2.1Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks....................................................................................................6
2.1.1 Definition of a “Child”..........................................................................................................................6
2.1.2 “Rights of the Child” Contextualized...................................................................................................6
2.1.3 The pre 1945 Situation of Children Right............................................................................................7
2.1.4 The Post 1945 Situation of Children....................................................................................................8
2.2 Child Rights Promotion and Protection......................................................................................................9
2.3 Child Interests...........................................................................................................................................10
2.4Actors of that Play Role in the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child...............................10
2.2.1 The Role of NGO................................................................................................................................11
BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page IV

2.5 Legal Frameworks towards the Protection of Child Rights....................................................................12

2.5.1International Legal Frameworks.............................................................................................................12
2.5.2 Regional Legal Frameworks...............................................................................................................13
2.5.3 National Legal Frameworks...............................................................................................................14
CHAPTER 3..........................................................................................................................................................15
3. Methodology of the Study..............................................................................................................................15
3.1 Description of the study area..................................................................................................................15
3.1.1 Geographical Location and Population Size of Study Area..............................................................15
3.2 Research Design.......................................................................................................................................15
3.2.1 Data Source.......................................................................................................................................15
3.3 Sampling Technique and Sampling Size....................................................................................................15
3.4 Instrument of Data Collection.................................................................................................................16
3.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation..............................................................................................................16
3.6 Method of Data Analysis..........................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER FOUR..................................................................................................................................................18
4. Data Analysis and Interpretation....................................................................................................................18
4.1.General Characteristics of Respondents..................................................................................................18
General Information of Respondent...............................................................................................................19
4.2.The Role of NGOs in the Protection and Promotion of Children Rights...................................................22
4.3 The Activity of NGOs toward the Right to Quality Education...................................................................23
4.4 The View Parent and their Relationship with NGO..................................................................................23
4.5. The Relation of Children with NGO and their View toward the Contribution of NGOs.......................24
4.2.1.The Role of NGOs in the Protection and Promotion of Children Rights............................................27
4.2.2. The Activity of NGOs toward the Right to Quality Education...........................................................28
4.2.3 The View Parent and their Relationship with NGO...........................................................................28
4.2.4.The Relation of Children with NGO and their View toward the Contribution of NGOs....................29
4.2.5. Views of Adults (parents) on Children’s Rights to Quality Education...............................................30
4.2.6. The Challenges that NGOs Face in their Day to Day Activity............................................................32
4.2.7. The Possible Solution to Solve the Existing Problem........................................................................33
CHAPTER FIVE................................................................................................................................................34
5.1.Conclusion, Recommendation and Reference..............................................................................................34
5.2. Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................34
5.3.Recommendations...................................................................................................................................36
BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page V

APPENDIX............................................................................................................................................................40
List of Tables
Table 4.1. Demographic variable of parent respondent............................................................................19

Table 4.2. Demographic Variable of Children Respondent........................................................................21
Table.4.3. the respondent judgment on the Role of NGO.........................................................................22
Table 4.3. the parent judgments on their view toward the NGO activity..................................................24
Table 4.4.the parent judgment on their relation with NGO......................................................................24
Table.4.5. Demographic Variable of Children Respondent........................................................................26
Table 4.6. the respondent judgment on the Role of NGO.........................................................................27
Table 4.7.the parent judgments on their view toward the NGO activity...................................................29
Table 4.8.the parent judgment on their relation with NGO......................................................................29
Table 4.9.the children judgment on their view toward the contribution of NGO......................................30
Table 4.10.the Adult (parent) judgment children have the same right as adult........................................31
Table 4.11.the respondent’s judgment on challenges NGOs face.............................................................32
BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page VI

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page VII

CHAPTER ONE
1.Introduction
1.1Background of the study
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence,
sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language or any other status. We are all equally entitled
to our human rights without discrimination. The preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (hereinafter, UDHR) states that human rights are inalienable right to which all human beings
are inherently entitled without any discrimination(UDHR,1948). Children’s do enjoy the same
human rights as other adults from the international human rights instrument. Beside this, children
need additional protection and care because of their easy exposition to multitude range of human
rights violation. Owing to this fact, child rights is one of the important aspects of the international
human rights instruments, that gives particular attention to the protection and care of the children.
Recognizing that the UN has in the UDHR proclaimed and agreed that every one`s entitled to all the
right and freedom see forth there in without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex,
language, religion, political or other status. Recalling that childhood is entitled to special care and
assistance convinced that the family is the fundamental groups of society and the natural
environmental for the growth and wellbeing of all its Members and particularity child should get the
necessary protection and assistance so, that can fully assume it, responsibilities within the
community (Ibid).
UN of shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative social and educational measures to protect
the child from all forms physical and mental violence or abuse, neglect and negligent treatment, mal
treatment or exploitation, individual sexual abuse, while in the care of parents, legal guardians or any
other person who has care of the child, in accordance with the international low child shall have the
rights from birth to name, the right to acquire nationality as far as possible. The rights to know and
be cared to by his or her parents, Article 1 of the CRC states that every child has the right to benefit
from social security including child to standard living educate for the Childs physical, mental,
spiritual, moral and social development (UNCRC, 1992).

Bearing in mind that the need to extend particular to the child has been started I the Geneva
declaration of the right of child adopted by the general assembly on November, 20, 1950 and
recognized in UDHR (Ibid).
The promotion and protection of the rights and well being of the child implies the performance of
duties on part of every one, reaffirming the adherence to the principle of the right and well being of
the child confined in the declaration, convention and instruments of the organization of Africa Union
(herein after, AU) and on the African Charter on the Right and Welfare of the Child (hereinafter,
ACRWC). The ACRWC is the first and only regional treaty on the right of the child in existence
and is the most important instrument within the AU human right systems of children’s right. It also
an important tool for advancing children rights. While building on the same basic principles as the
UN convention of the right of the child (hereinafter, UNCRC) that recognize children right need to
be protection and promotion in all circumstances (ACRWC, 1999).
The Ethiopian government has demonstrated its commitments to protect child rights by its
endorsement and ratification of the CRC on December 9, 1991 and other international human rights
instrument. Looking at domestic laws, the 1995 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
(hereinafter, FDRE) constitution in its Article 13also has accepted all international agreements
ratified by Ethiopia, and incorporated them as an integral part of the lowland. Importantly, Article 35
of the constitution declares the legal protection for better implementation of the right of the children
(FDRE constitution, 1995).
The declaration is an important statement for children in Ethiopia. Currently, these declarations play
a major role in the implementation of children right to life, survival, development and also the right
to quality education. However, the rights recognized in the international human rights instruments
and domestic legal frameworks are not t fully implemented. Thus, for better implementation of the
rights of the child all governmental committee should work in cooperation with other stake holders
and NGOs that work on the areas of child protection.
Recently, NGOs have assumed prominent roles in the development agenda of most societies in
various counties across the globe. NGOs are actively engaged in activities aimed at achieving social
change and Ethiopia just like money other developing countries has become the hub of different
NGOs who are undertaking various projects in deprived communities across the country (Porter,

2003). These NGOs are described as independent civil society organization registered voluntary
under law to pursue activities that will help the public. NGO in Ethiopia are also regarded as issues
oriented organization independent from the state but are engaged in activities that support
government intervention in national development (White field, 2010).
For the purpose of this study emphasizes is placed on the child right project undertaken by NGO in
Assosa town located in the Northern Region of Ethiopia. The choice of this project in Assosa town is
because many children are found in a street and become a bagger. The study therefore seeks to
identify how such child right project undertaken by the NGOs promote and protect children rights.
1.1.1 Statement of the problem

As has noted in the introductory part, children’s have the same human rights as every human being.
In addition, because of their easy vulnerability to multitude human rights violation they need special
protection and care.
For a child to be healthy and fulfill their basic needs the family is the suitable place. Children’s are
linked with their parents, relatives and the community at large. Their helplessness and innocence
command our care of them, their love and belongingness attract our attention; their growth and
prospective arouse our expectation. These are good feeling we have to ward our children.(CRC,
1989).
The international human rights regime accords additional rights to children apart from the rights they
share from humanity. The international convention on the right of the child is one that states
extensively the rights of the child. At the continental level there are also human right instruments
that are intended to promote and protect the rights of the child. However, the protection and
promotion of child right is not as enumerated in the legal documents, it is full of limitations.
Children’s across the world, particularly in developing countries face myriad violation of human
rights. This is more acute problem for children’s who lost their parents. Children that lost their
parents are exposed to different violation such as sexual abuse, child labor and child solider.
Ethiopia is not an exception from the stated challenges; many children’s in Ethiopia are exposed to
multitude human rights violation. The problem is worst for those that live without their parents. To
overcome the challenges that face children there are intervention by governments and non-
governmental organization. Some international NGOs seek to achieve development in deprived

communities through the protection and promotion of child right. In their quest to achieve this they
usually initiate and execute various project in such communities with the support of donor agencies
and local authorities (UNCRC, 1989).
There are international non-governmental organizations that work in Assosa town on the promotion
and protection of child rights for those that lost their parents in terms of economy, provision of
shelter, education and other financial assistance. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to
investigate the role of NGOs on the promotion and protection of the rights of the child by
considering Missionary of Africa and Operation rescue that base in Assosa. It particularly tries to
look at the specific objectives such as, the investigating of the role played by NGOs in protection
and promotion of child rights, exploring of the view of the children in relation to the protection they
get from the NGOs and to examine the challenge of the NGOs that they face in their day to day
activities with its possible solution to solve the existing problem.
1.1Objective of the Study
1.1.1 General Objective

The main objective of this study is to identify the role of NGOs on the protection and promotion of
child rights inAssosa town.
1.1.2 Specific Objective

 To investigate the roles played by the NGOs in the protection and promotion of child rights.
 To explore the view of the children in relation to the protection they get from the NGOs.
 To examine the challenges of the NGOs that they face in their day to day activities.
 To forward possible solution to the existing problem.
1.1.3 Research Question

 What is the role NGOs in the protection and promotion child right?
 What is the view of the children toward the NGOs activity?
 What are the challenges that the NGOs face in their day to day activities?
 What are the possible solutions to solve the existing problem?
1.1.4Significance of the Study

Thus for the purpose of this study specific attention is focused on an international NGO seeking to
achieve development through the promotion and protection of children’s right. So therefore, the

information emanating from this research can be useful to communities learning how to deal with
development assistance as well as international agencies and donor institutions. It will also be
helpful to international NGOs who harbor the ambition of operating in Assosa
This study also plays a major role in expanding the awareness of the citizen toward the protection of
children right and also in introducing the role of the NGO in child protection by exploring the social
contribution of child foundation or child care. This study also important to bring strength and vision
to the process of achieving social change and it was provided necessarily information for those who
wants to study in this area.
1.2 Scope of the Study

The study was conducted on the role of NGOs on the promotion and protection of child rights in the
case of Assosa town, the researcher is Limited to assessing protection and promotion factors of the
children right in Assosa town. It also focuses on the role of NGOs for spread protection and
promotion of children rights in Assosa town.
1.3 Limitation of the Study

While conducting the study the researcher has faced with many problems that include money, unable
to gain information on time, internet connection, and book. However the researcher has worked to
the most extent to come up these all challenges and find reliable data the researcher was faced the
lack of internet access, books, times, money, the respondents not answered all questions and
unwillingness to give information.
Another challenge was identifying the impacts of the NGO’s educational projects from the
perspectives of the children in the course of my interviews with them. Due to the fact that most of
the children were relatively young when the NGO first intervened in the community, it was a bit
difficult for them to efficiently express their opinions on the matter. However, it must be noted that
these obstacles did not completely prevent them from telling me what they perceive to be their
experiences in the community in relation to the NGO’s educational activities.

CHAPTER 2
2 Review of Related Literature

2.1Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
This chapter presents and discuss the theoretical framework and concepts used for this study. It also deals
with the pre 1945 situation of children right, the post 1995 situation of children right, definition of a
child and rights of the child contextualized. The main theory underlying this research which the
alternative development theory and its related concepts such as the right based approach to
development. It also discusses the international, regional and national legal frameworks to the
protection of the right of the child.
2.1.1 Definition of a “Child”

This study defines a child in accordance with the UN 1989 convention of the right of child
(UNCRC), which refers to a child as every human being below the age eighteen (UNCRC, 1989).
However, it must be pointed out that there is a lack of universal agreement as to how constitute a
child as there are variations across different contents, countries and regions about the composition of
childhood and adulthood. For instance, in most south Asian countries such as Nepal children are
defined as every human being below 16 years (Nepal Children’s act, 1992).
In spite of those variations with the definition of a child, several governments have widely accepted
and ratified the UN 1989 convention, and the definition is applicable in such jurisdictions. The
countries that ratified the UNCRC 1989 have also integrated the definition into their domestic laws.
2.1.2 “Rights of the Child” Contextualized

The oxford dictionary (2003) defines rights as a moral or legal claim to have something. Is this right
of legal claim to entitlement that is enshrined in the UN universal declaration of human right
(UDHR, 1948). The preamble of UDHR emphasizes that human right is the in alienable rights to
which all human beings are inherently entitled. Thus the existence of fundamental of human right
which every human is inherently entitled to affords a person the freedom to achieve independence,
dignity and respect. The children`s rights for instance, is one of the important aspects of the
international human rights regime.
The UNCRC 1989 is the international human rights instrument that sets out the civil, political,
economic, educational, health and cultural rights of children. Countries that ratify this convention are

legally the compliance of this bound to comply with it. The compliance of this treaty is monitored by
the UN committee on the rights of the child. Committee on the rights of the child (CRC) emphasizes
that the rights of the child are to be protected in all circumstances (UNCRC, 1989).
Safeguarding and promoting the rights of children also constitutes an integral part of the rights based
approach to development. The rights based approach to development focuses on achieving human
development through integrating the principles of human right in to the police, planes and process of
development (OCHCR, 2006). It is promoted by international development agencies and NGOs. The
proponents of the right based approach to development in line with the provisions of the UNCRC
(1989) essentially advocates for more participation of children in the development discourse,
children empowerment and protection of their human rights. Thus children who constitute about
40% of the third world population should be regarded as active agents of changes, who have rights
and have a say in the development of their society (Ansell, 2005).
2.1.3 The pre 1945 Situation of Children Right

Whenever one considers the right of man in history it is generally that the nature right are the origin
for such concept, thus, throughout the modern context of the right of man, rudimentary conception of
this notion was presented by Maurice Crastonion his book what is human right (Maurice, 1998).
In fact the conception of the doctrine of natural right was a progressive one in that it gave the
rational way of human being should be entitled to them without any discriminatory conditions. Later
on, in the development of human civilization, the period known as renaissance, which during this
day forwarded the idea of individual uniqueness, self-awareness and growth was greatly contributed
to the emergency of humans of which could bring the freedom and equality of childhood (population
Palatine, world of children, 1979).
The reappraisal coincided with the invention of the printed book and its dissemination to the mass
audiences. When children become both object and subject to matter of serious liter nature in the mid
1900.S. communions, Ezek Philosophers, produced the world of procures as teaching device and
picture book. For children uniqueness in its time, its recognized that the child hood district need and
desires worth of serious attentions (Ibid).
The league of nation was pledged to live, help and build, a truly peaceful and happy society; hence
this is not only the need of the war that was envisaged but also the cooperation among nation was

contributed in creating amore, harmonious world. Where human beings may feel freedom for
physical and mental; in fact, this has been accompanied by growing concern for the individual on the
international arena too. And it was this new development the league of nation of nations attempted to
resolve some of issues concerning the individual right (UN, action, in the field of human right,
1989).
In general, the UN action aimed to create peaceful relationship among nation without discrimination
all affairs.
2.1.4 The Post 1945 Situation of Children

According to UN action the recognition of the right of individuals that was manifested in the various
international documents was. Notable in fully achieving its goal in the history of league of nation
until its colleagues due to the Second World War (WWII) that was broke out 1939. However these
efforts were the promises with which the UN organization copes up with quite a modern context of
human right the new organization had better voice and high respect which was promised by the
founding status. The new adopted chapter was gave power to the UN organization to actively get
involved in the international affairs in pursuance of peace and securing of the world.
UN general assembly comes up with a number of documents like universal declaration of human
right (UDHR), convention of the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination; all these
documents have enhanced the right of human person. Put, the question one may ask is that. Too what
extent the impact of these documents on the legal protection of child rights a sport and parcel of the
general protection of human rights? Has the fact that is childhood which constitutes the most
venerable and sensitive period in a person in additional special instruments in particularly dealt with
the rights of child and protection of children under international low. The prominent international
instruments which deserve mention in this regard are declares of child, general assembly of (UN,
1948, Art 3∕2)).

2.2 Child Rights Promotion and Protection

In order to improve children rights promotion and protection the role of the Non- governmental
organization (NGO) should be strengthen. The office has a pivotal role in the implementation of the
children strategy. It is staffed by civil servants who are nominated to the team and are not acting as
representative of their department. The NGO has direct, structure links to the national children
advisor council, the minister of state and key departments. The role of the NGO is to prepare and
progress a work programmed, coordinate and integrate action on key cross cutting children issues
monitor the implementation of the strategy. In addition to that the NGO has the potential to take a
central role in making children more visible in policy making. To further this role, the NGO could
develop Produce regarding the impact of policy on children. These could be used by government
departments in the formation of policy.
The publications of national children’s strategy (NCS) for all children in Ethiopia make a change in
this focus and make a commitment to improving the quality of life of children. The strategy
articulates a vision of an Ethiopia. Where children are respected as a young citizen with a valued
contribution to make and a voice of their own; where all children are cherished and supported by
family and the wider society; where they enjoy a fulfilling childhood and realize their potential.
Of course the NGO is primarily responsible for the implementation of NCS. However, it does not
and could not also promote and protect children right. An office of ombudsman (or commissioner)
for children such has that proposed by the UN committee on the right of the child (CRA, 1998)
should be responsible for the promotion and protection of children rights and for the implementation
of the convention (CRA, 1998).
In 199, with the assistance of a grant from the department of health, the children’s right alliance
(CRA) published the result of study exploring options concerning an appropriate mechanism for the
promotion and protection of children’s right. The seen and heard, was collaborative study between
the CRA and representative from the department of mechanisms across arrange of countries. The
report studied a variety of mechanisms across arrange of countries. It concluded that there is a need
for a body to promote and protect children’s right in Ethiopia which would ensure that the voice of
all Ethiopian children would be heard in the police and administrative process and would which
create an environment favorable to the protection of children’s rights (CRA,1997).

2.3 Child Interests
In UNCRC ART.3 state that the best interest of the child must be a paramount consideration in all
actions concerning children. The important of article 3, best interest of child (BIC), has been much
debated .Alston (1994) edited a volume of writing specifically concerned with the devolvement of
Art.3. In his review of the history of the article he points out that in the 1959 declaration of the rights
of the child best interest’s principle was identified as the paramount of consideration; however, in
the convention .it become a primary consideration in Art.3, although it is referred as at the
paramount of consideration in Art.21. In his introductory comments Alston (1994; 2) notes that the
convention is not a simple instrument and that it:
In sometimes presented (or more accurately, miss represented) as being a UN dimensional document
that reflects a single, unified philosophy of children’s right and contains a specific and readily
ascertainable recipe for resolving the inevitable tensions and conflicts that arise in a given situation
among the different rights recognized.
As with any complex instrument, there is potential for internal tensions and conflicts within the
convention. Freeman (1992) has also drawn attention to this particularly in respect of the possible
tension between Art.3 and Art. 12. Article 3 states that:
In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institution,
courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interest of the child shall be a
primary consideration, (Art.3.1).
Some of the interests that are best for children; child right to family, child right to education,
protection of handicapped child and protection of child lab our and under influence are child
discussed below.
2.4Actors of that Play Role in the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child
There are two actors that play role in children right promotion and protection those are governmental
and Nongovernmental organization. Even if they are divers each other their missions and visions are
the same. So, they support each other in various way of protection and promotion of children rights.
Know for our study we focus on the role of the NGO on promotion and protection of child right.

2.2.1 The Role of NGO

NGOs are private organization that are established mainly not to generate and distribute profits,
whose activities normally involves some significant amount of voluntary participation and being
separate from government agency (Salamon and Anheier, 1996). These are characteristics that
collectively distinguish NGOs from other organizations in the society. According to Riddell (2007)
there are two kinds of NGOs namely international or Northern NGOs and Southern NGOs.
International or Northern NGOs are NGOs that emerged from developed countries operating
globally. Southern NGOs are those originate from developing countries or the global south (Riddelll,
2007).
Particularly, the relationship between development and globalization is manifested in the increasing
number of international NGOs operating globally Rigg (2007) asserts that the globalists threshold
has been altered in a way with, the realization that globalization has empowered local structures and
the everyday life rather than eradicating it. This is because globalization “operates at all scats and
that the process is not erasing the local but operating at the local scale” (Rigg, 20007, 11).
Globalization therefore, can play a significant role in transforming, enhancing and improving the
lives of local people whilst in return the people can participate, respond and contribute to the
globalization process (Rigg, 2007). He further emphasizes that the process of globalization has
empowered and improved local structures and the lives of local people through the creation of
spaces for grassroots mobilization and initiatives which is often under the auspices of NGOs. NGOs
are therefore crucial not only in relation to their developmental contributions in society but also play
very important political roles in communities as they foster democratic consolidation and social
capital (Rigg, 2007).
Closely related to the above factor, as international NGOs move they also bring with them
globalized ideas through the adoption of rights and participatory mechanisms in their development
works in deprived communities across the globe. This scenario is exemplified in Hannerz (1996)
assertion that as people and organization move, so do their meanings to move, so therefore territories
cannot limit the flow of ideas and initiative between people and organizations. This perspective is
also for instance, linked to both how internationals NGOs working in the area of children
empowerment incorporate the UN convention on the right of the child in their development work as

well as the usual emphasis on the provisions of the universal declaration of human right (UDHR) in
more general rights based discourses (Hannerz, 1996).
Currently, NGOs globally are engaged in activities aimed at mobilizing and empowering the weak,
poor and vulnerable in the community to defend their rights, advocates for better condition of living
for people, protesting internationally for debt cancellations and protecting the environment. These
trends highlighted above present both interesting and testing times for international NGOs in their
development work. They have assumed greater responsibilities in the area of development than they
initially had, as they are now actively engaged on the main stream development stage. Considerable
amount of resource in know at their disposal and they also have the ability to influence those who
control enormous resources (Clark, 1991).
Additionally, Clark (1991) observes that NGOs have become more diverse, credible and innovative
in contemporary times than they used to be. Through their grass root initiatives in developing
countries across the globe they have managed to earn the trust of the people living in such areas each
a manner in which local governments even find it difficult to replicate. On the other hand getting the
acceptance and support of the population of Eastern countries have provided NGOs with more
financial incentives and capabilities to engage actively in developmental activities across the globe
(Clark, 1991).
2.5 Legal Frameworks towards the Protection of Child Rights
By providing thematic leadership expertise strategic framework for programming, advocacy and
communication we can maximize the impact of working together. Some of the legal frameworks at
international, regional and national level are discussed below.
2.5.1International Legal Frameworks
2.5.1.1Universal Declaration of Human Right (UDHR)

The fact that the UN character run short of definition on human rights necessitated for the universal
declaration of human right to be adopted the declaration lay down that the treatment or punishment
of the person in carves or humaner manner, This kind of human carvel trove is in most instances,
sight of backwardness of society, in terms of economic, social and cultural development. It is
assumed, that most societies have been practicing this kind of in human treatment in the past where
slave, in particular, more market with hot iron on their body which of course included child salves

too. To add more the human history has evidenced condition in which slaves were forced to fight
wild animals for environment purposes (Germa, 1984).
Considering the overall effect of provisions in the UDHR on the legal protection of children one can
observed that part from defining what these human right principles and recognition of the right of
child in particular this time within a direct reference to it special interest, gives it and international
legal basis for its protection which never should be for gotten (Ibid).
Therefore, these events shows that in the past there were the practice on human being, such as
human rights violation there were no dignity and respect at all, human beings were not consider as
human being because of the traditional belief of the society.
2.5.2 Regional Legal Frameworks

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (hereafter the
Committee) is the body which is responsible for monitoring the implementation and ensuring the
protection of the rights laid out in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
(hereafter the ACRWC, or the Children’s Charter). The ACRWC draws heavily upon the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the two instruments complement and reinforce
each other. They share the key principles of non discrimination, the best interests of the child,
children’s participation and the survival and development of the child. Some of regional frameworks
are discussed bellow.
2.5.2.1African Charter on Human and Peoples Right (ACHPR)

The African commission on human and peoples right (ACHPR) was established by the African
charter on human and people’s right to sups ruse and monitor all right enshrined in the charter. All
53 member states or African union are parties to the charter. It was established in 1986 and so has
ostensive experience which the committee con draws upon.
The African commission consists of eleven commissioners and has its own secretariat in Banjul, the
Gambia. The commission meets twice a year in ordinary session. In addition to the right any duty to
interpret the charter, the mandate of the commission is to promote and protect human right in
African. This include, examining reports that each member state has an obligation to deliver every

other year on the human right situation on its territory deciding on commission, both from member
state and from individuals and organizing seminars( ACHPR, Amnesty international, 2007).
2.5.2.2 Africa Charter on the Right and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC)
Considering that charter of Organization of African Union (herein after, OAU) recognizes the
paramount of human rights and the Africa charter on human and people’s rights proclaimed and
agreed that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms recognized and guarantee there in
without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic, color, sex, language, religion, political opinion,
nationality and social organs or other status (ACRWC, preamble, OAU).
Recalling the declaration on the rights and welfare African charter adopted by assembly of African
unity, at its 16th, and ordinary session, in Monrovia, Liberia, from 19 July 20, 1979 recognized the
need to take appropriate measure to promote and protect the right and welfare African child
(ACRWC, 1979).
Therefore, the children needs legal protection in conditions of freedom, dignity and security due to
the needs of his/her physical and mental development and required particular care with regard to
health, physical, mental, moral and social development as well as for the values of African
civilization, according to this principles the society and the state have the duties to safeguard the
rights and welfare of the child.
2.5.3 National Legal Frameworks

Ethiopia accept and also support the UN convention on the right of the child (CRC).She share and
also proclaimed in her legal frame work FDRE constitution the key principle of the children right
proclaimed by UNCRC such as non discrimination, the best interests of the child, children’s
participation and the survival and development of the child.

CHAPTER 3
3. Methodology of the Study

3.1 Description of the study area
3.1.1 Geographical Location and Population Size of Study Area

. Assosa town is situated at distance of 670km from Addis Ababa. The geographical location of the
town is approximately 10˚ 04’ N latitude and 34˚ 31’ longitude E. The average elevation of the town
is about 1,570m above sea level.The district’s yearly temperature is 27.27degree celciues and higher
than ethiopia`s averages.According to 1994 population census, the total population of Assosa town
was about 11,749 with(female=5,425 and male=6,324) (CSA,2005).The six largest ethnic groups
reported in the Assosa zone were Oromo people(41.19%),theAmhara(29.93%),the
Berta(17.39%),theSilte people(1.29%),the sebat Bet Gurage (1.35%,) and Tigrayan(5.43%) ;all other
ethnic groups made up 3.42% of the population.
3.2 Research Design

In order to undertake this study, the researcher employed quantitative designs. Quantitative
approach is used for statistical tools mainly express in terms of numbers, percentage, and rate to
measure size and magnitude techniques.
3.2.1 Data Source

In this study both primary and secondary data are used .The primary data is connected through
interview, questionnaires, and personal observation. The interview will be conduct face to face by
the researcher with potential respondent, and the researcher is used both open end close end question
to know the respondent view .The secondary data source will be collected from different source
such as, book, constitution and other legal documents and internet .Especially for literature review
part of the paper mostly determine by secondary resource.
3.3 Sampling Technique and Sampling Size

The researcher is used purposive sampling to select 29 respondents from Assosa town .From the
respondent 24 respondents are selected for questionnaire; these are parents and their children. And
also 5 respondents are purposely selected for interview; these are officials of children right. The

researcher is gave emphasizes on the 29 has from Assosa town all kebeles as a respondent to gather
information.
3.4 Instrument of Data Collection

The researcher is used the instrument of data collection to the study such as questionnaire, book,
interview and documentary source
Questionnaire; the researcher is used appropriate questionnaire to gain information that distribute
questions to the citizen of in the study area.
Interview; the researcher is used appropriate interview to gather information. Because to gate broad
information.
Document Analysis; the researcher use books document analysis in order to expand and for gather
better understand about role of NGOs on the promotion and protection of child rights.
3.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation

The objective of this chapter is to show the relevant findings of the research through the full course
of the study. In this study the researcher has undertaken, key informant interview and disseminated
questionnaires to the selected sample respondents and has also reviewed secondary source to collect
all data. The results gained from the interview are descriptively analyzed and integrated with other
results which are gained from some other tools. And the results gained from close ended
questionnaires were presented in tabulations followed by clear analysis and interpretations. Along
with closed ended questions which have produced supportive and reasonable outcomes. In this
inquiry descriptive statistical tools have been employed to describe and present the data collected
from the questionnaires. Based on the above justification the present researcher has tried to
carefully analyze and present the data pertinent to the objectives of the study, that is, the role of
NGOs in the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, the view of the children towards
the assistance they get from the organization and the challenges that the NGOs face in their day to
day activities investigation.

3.6 Method of Data Analysis

The collected data is analyzed descriptively method of data analysis can be used about the study are.
The data collect through exposing various related review literature and though making interviews
and distribution questionnaire. The researcher is used percentage, words and tables to analysis the
data quantitative.

CHAPTER FOUR
4. Data Analysis and Interpretation

The objective of this chapter is to show the relevant findings of the research through the full
course of the study. In this study the researcher has undertaken, key informant interview and
disseminated questionnaires to the selected sample respondents and has also reviewed secondary
source to collect all data. The results gained from the interview are descriptively analyzed and
integrated with other results which are gained from some other tools. And the results gained from
close ended questionnaires were presented in tabulations followed by clear analysis and
interpretations. Along with closed ended questions which have produced supportive and
reasonable outcomes. In this inquiry descriptive statistical tools have been employed to describe
and present the data collected from the questionnaires. Based on the above justification the
present researcher has tried to carefully analyze and present the data pertinent to the objectives of
the study, that is, the role of NGOs in the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, the
view of the children towards the assistance they get from the organization and the challenges that
the NGOs face in their day to day activities investigation.
4.1.General Characteristics of Respondents

This section focuses on the analysis of the basic characteristics of participants of the study. This
includes the principal demographic variables such as gender, age, and means of livelihood and
level of education because these variables are very important to describe the respondents with
their back ground briefly. It first presents the characteristic of parents (relatives) of the children,
second the children background and then lastly the officials that work on the NGOs.

General Information of Respondent
Table 4.1. Demographic variable of parent respondent
No of respondent Percent%
Gender Male 15 62.5%
Female 9 37.5%
Total 24 100%
Age 19-21 2 8.33%

22-26 7 29.167%
27-30 9 37.5%
30≤ 6 25%
Total 24 100%
Education level No schooling 4 16.67%
Primary school 13 54.167%
Secondary school 5 20.83%
TVET 2 8.33%
Diploma - -
Degree - -
Total 24 100%
Means of livelihood Farmer - -
Merchant - -
Government 2 8.33%
employee
Private employee 11 62.50033
Business and small - -
enterprise
None 7 29.167%
Total 24 100%
Source own Survey, 2016

As it was indicated in the above table, 62.5% of respondent were male and 37.5% of them were
females. When we look the age structure of the sample respondents, the majority of the parents
belong to the age category ranging between 27 and 30 age and it constitutes 37.5% and only
8.33% of them belong to the age category ranging between 19 and 21.
Regarding educational level of respondents, large numbers were attended primary school and
they accounts 54.167% of the respondents. And 20.83% of them were attend secondary school
and none of them have degree or diploma and only 16.67 of the respondent of the respondent
were not attend at any school level. According to the survey result in terms of economic activity,
large numbers of respondents were engaged in private employee (45.83) and 8.33 % of them
were government employee and only 29.167% of respondent were stay without any economic
activity.
Generally as it shown from the above table, the majority of the parent respondent were having
job and none of them are involve in business and small enterprise and only 29.167% of
respondent stay without job.

Table 4.2. Demographic Variable of Children Respondent
No of respondent Percent %
Female 9 37.5%
Total 24 100%
Age 5-9 6 25%
10-12 10 41.667%
13-16 5 20.833%
17-20 3 12.5%
Total 24 100%
Education level 1-4 7 29.167%
5-6 8 33.33%
7-9 5 20..83%
10-12 4 16.67%
Total 24 100%
Missed of parent Father 9 37.5%
Mother 6 25%
Both 3 12.5%
None 6 25%
Total 24 100%
Source: own survey, 2016
As it is indicated in the above table, 62.5% of respondent were male and 37.5% of them were
females. When we look the age structure of the children participants, the majority of the children
belong to the age category ranging between 10 and 12 age and it constitutes 41.6667% and 12.5
% of them belong to the age category ranging between 17 and 20 .
Regarding educational level of respondents, large numbers are enrolled primary school and they
accounts 62.497% of the respondents. And out of 62.497%, 33.33% of them were grade 5 and 6
students and the rest 29.167 are between grade 1 and 4 and only 16.67% of them are between
grade 10 and 12. According to the survey result in terms of those children who missed their

parent, large numbers of children were missed their father (37.5%) and 25% of them were loss
their mother and only 12.5 of respondent were loss both their father and mother.
Generally as it is shown from the above table, the majority of the children were orphan means”
those who loss one of their parent” (75%) and only 25% of them have both father and mother.
4.2.The Role of NGOs in the Protection and Promotion of Children Rights

As we know recently, NGOs globally are engaged in activities aimed at mobilizing and
empowering the weak, poor and vulnerable in the community to defend their rights, advocate for
better conditions of living for people, protesting internationally for debt cancellations and
protecting the environment. Even though NGOs across the globe use different mechanisms and
approaches, they collectively have a common view on the inadequacies of mainstream
development methods. As the responses given for interview questions from children, NGOs
officials and women and children affairs said that:
when we compare to the other deprived community the role of NGOs in protection and
promotion of children right in Assosa town is too low something which is promising by
putting some challenges that makes them unable to work effectively with in a
community such as lack awareness, absence of co-operation between government
community and NGOs and lack of place for settlement .But they do their best in order
to give full contribution for children as well as for community by challenging the
problem they face.
Table.4.3. the respondent judgment on the Role of NGO
No Respondents argument No of respondents Percent

1 Very high 4 16.667%
2 High 8 33.33%
3 Medium 12 50%
4 Low - -
5 Very low - -
Total 24 100%
Source: the respondents sample, 2016

From the above table, large number of respondent (50%) judge the role of NGO in protection
and promotion of children right in Assosa town is medium and 33.33% of them replied very high
and only 16.667% of respondent replied high. As we observe from the above table and
judgments of respondents the role of NGOs in protection and promotion of children right in
Assosa town is medium
4.3 The Activity of NGOs toward the Right to Quality Education

The NGOs projects that found in Assosa town basically aimed at promoting and protecting
children right. And also aimed at promoting children right to quality education by fulfilling every
equipment that are necessary for education and their basic need such as food ,shelter, cloth etc.
According to the responses given for interview questions from the children, they replied that
“every equipment are fulfilled by putting same lack as it is and they believe in quality education
for instance, we learn computerized education beside our ordinary class and we have different
tutor”. But there is some shortage for instance the children replied as:
In response to the question of why the specific attention of the NGO on children’s right to
quality education, an official of the NGO stated that:
To achieve this they do all things that expected from them like in fulfilling their basic need
and all the equipment that are necessary for educational activities.
4.4 The View Parent and their Relationship with NGO

As it can be understood from the responses given for interview question
from the NGOs officials, they replied that:
They believe as well as want to work cooperatively with the beneficiary community
(Assosa town) to find out how the NGOs activity of promoting children right help to
empower the children in the community to overcome their daily challenges and actively
engages in the process of community development. Finally they tell us their view is
somehow good but their relation is too low.

When we are going to the project in order to visit them and also to ask them some question
regarding on their relation with parents we watch nothing other than the officials and the
employer.
Table 4.3. the parent judgments on their view toward the NGO activity
No Respondent argument No of respondent Percent

1 Good 24 100%
2 Bad -
Total 24 100%
Source: respondents sample, 2016
From the above table we understand that all of the total respondents put their good view toward
the contribution of NGOs and according to community response NGOs offer good care to the
child so therefore it should be initiated.
Table 4.4.the parent judgment on their relation with NGO

1 Very high - -
2 High - -
3 Medium 9 37.5%
4 Low 15 62.5%
Total 24 100%
From the above table, we understand that the relation of the community or the society with
NGOs is low 62.5% of the respondent judgment is low and only 37.5% of them judge as our
relation with NGOs is neither high nor low it is medium.
4.5. The Relation of Children with NGO and their View toward the Contribution of
NGOs
As the responses given for interview questions from the children those found in the project, they
have good relation with NGOs that found in Assosa town and regarding on their view toward the
contribution of NGO they tell us their satisfaction by the NGOs activity. Their all basic needs
are fulfilled without any discrimination. According to children responses “now they are in good

condition compared to their previous life style”. Some children give their recommendation
regarding on the NGOs activities they said that:
“This project should be nurtured in order to bring many children to this project because many of
our sister and brother found on the street
As it was indicated in the above table, 62.5% of respondent were male and 37.5% of them were
females. When we look the age structure of the sample respondents, the majority of the parents
belong to the age category ranging between 27 and 30 age and it constitutes 37.5% and only
8.33% of them belong to the age category ranging between 19 and 21.
Regarding educational level of respondents, large numbers were attended primary school and
they accounts 54.167% of the respondents. And 20.83% of them were attend secondary school
and none of them have degree or diploma and only 16.67 of the respondent of the respondent
were not attend at any school level. According to the survey result in terms of economic activity,
large numbers of respondents were engaged in private employee (45.83) and 8.33 % of them
were government employee and only 29.167% of respondent were stay without any economic
activity.
Generally as it shown from the above table, the majority of the parent respondent were having
job and none of them are involve in business and small enterprise and only 29.167% of
respondent stay without job.

Table.4.5. Demographic Variable of Children Respondent
No of respondent Percent %
Female 9 37.5%
Total 24 100%
Age 5-9 6 25%
10-12 10 41.667%
13-16 5 20.833%
17-20 3 12.5%
Total 24 100%
Education level 1-4 7 29.167%
5-6 8 33.33%
7-9 5 20..83%
10-12 4 16.67%
Total 24 100%
Missed of parent Father 9 37.5%
Mother 6 25%
Both 3 12.5%
None 6 25%
Total 24 100%
Source: own survey, 2016
As it is indicated in the above table, 62.5% of respondent were male and 37.5% of them were
females. When we look the age structure of the children participants, the majority of the children
belong to the age category ranging between 10 and 12 age and it constitutes 41.6667% and 12.5
% of them belong to the age category ranging between 17 and 20 .
Regarding educational level of respondents, large numbers are enrolled primary school and they
accounts 62.497% of the respondents. And out of 62.497%, 33.33% of them were grade 5 and 6
students and the rest 29.167 are between grade 1 and 4 and only 16.67% of them are between
grade 10 and 12. According to the survey result in terms of those children who missed their

parent, large numbers of children were missed their father (37.5%) and 25% of them were loss
their mother and only 12.5 of respondent were loss both their father and mother.
Generally as it is shown from the above table, the majority of the children were orphan means”
those who loss one of their parent” (75%) and only 25% of them have both father and mother.
4.2.1.The Role of NGOs in the Protection and Promotion of Children Rights

As we know recently, NGOs globally are engaged in activities aimed at mobilizing and
empowering the weak, poor and vulnerable in the community to defend their rights, advocate for
better conditions of living for people, protesting internationally for debt cancellations and
protecting the environment. Even though NGOs across the globe use different mechanisms and
approaches, they collectively have a common view on the inadequacies of mainstream
development methods. As the responses given for interview questions from children, NGOs
officials and women and children affairs said that:
when we compare to the other deprived community the role of NGOs in protection and
promotion of children right in Assosa town is too low something which is promising by
putting some challenges that makes them unable to work effectively with in a
community such as lack awareness, absence of co-operation between government
community and NGOs and lack of place for settlement .But they do their best in order
to give full contribution for children as well as for community by challenging the
problem they face.
Table 4.6. the respondent judgment on the Role of NGO
No Respondents argument No of respondents Percent

1 Very high 4 16.667%
2 High 8 33.33%
3 Medium 12 50%
4 Low - -
5 Very low - -
Total 24 100%
Source: the respondents sample, 2016

From the above table, large number of respondent (50%) judge the role of NGO in protection
and promotion of children right in Assosa town is medium and 33.33% of them replied very high
and only 16.667% of respondent replied high. As we observe from the above table and
judgments of respondents the role of NGOs in protection and promotion of children right in
Assosa town is medium
4.2.2. The Activity of NGOs toward the Right to Quality Education

The NGOs projects that found in Assosa town basically aimed at promoting and protecting
children right. And also aimed at promoting children right to quality education by fulfilling every
equipment that are necessary for education and their basic need such as food ,shelter, cloth etc.
According to the responses given for interview questions from the children, they replied that
“every equipment are fulfilled by putting same lack as it is and they believe in quality education
for instance, we learn computerized education beside our ordinary class and we have different
tutor”. But there is some shortage for instance the children replied as:
In our computer there is a program that is not loaded but it is key for our computer
study, when we ask them the reason why this program is not loaded they replied us, we
don’t have enough budget that enables us to load such program. Other than this
problem they do have better motivation in educational activity.
In response to the question of why the specific attention of the NGO on children’s right to
quality education, an official of the NGO stated that:
“We believe that by promoting children’s right to quality education, children will have
the confidence to get involved in the community development processes”.
To achieve this they do all things that expected from them like in fulfilling their basic need
and all the equipment that are necessary for educational activities.
4.2.3 The View Parent and their Relationship with NGO

As it can be understood from the responses given for interview question
from the NGOs officials, they replied that:
They believe as well as want to work cooperatively with the beneficiary community
(Assosa town) to find out how the NGOs activity of promoting children right help to

empower the children in the community to overcome their daily challenges and actively
engages in the process of community development. Finally they tell us their view is
somehow good but their relation is too low.
regarding on their relation with parents we watch nothing other than the officials and the
employer.
Table 4.7.the parent judgments on their view toward the NGO activity

1 Good 24 100%
2 Bad -
Total 24 100%
From the above table we understand that all of the total respondents put their good view toward
the contribution of NGOs and according to community response NGOs offer good care to the
child so therefore it should be initiated.
Table 4.8.the parent judgment on their relation with NGO

1 Very high - -
2 High - -
3 Medium 9 37.5%
4 Low 15 62.5%
Total 24 100%
Source: respondents sample, 2016From the above table, we understand that the relation of the
community or the society with NGOs is low 62.5% of the respondent judgment is low and only
37.5% of them judge as our relation with NGOs is neither high nor low it is medium.
4.2.4.The Relation of Children with NGO and their View toward the Contribution of
NGOs
As the responses given for interview questions from the children those found in the project, they
have good relation with NGOs that found in Assosa town and regarding on their view toward the

contribution of NGO they tell us their satisfaction by the NGOs activity. Their all basic needs
are fulfilled without any discrimination. According to children responses “now they are in good
condition compared to their previous life style”. Some children give their recommendation
regarding on the NGOs activities they said that:
“This project should be nurtured in order to bring many children to this project because many of
our sister and brother found on the
regarding on their life style as we watch them the children are too happy and they are in well
condition compared to the outside children. The NGOs have their own problem they face
that are not enable them to nurtured their project such as place for settlement that given from
the government. But they do their best in order to nurtured their project by cooperating with
the local government.
Table 4.9.the children judgment on their view toward the contribution of NGO

1 Yes 24 100%
2 No - _
Total 24 100%
Source: respondent sample, 2016
Table 3.7.1, show that all of the total respondents put their good view toward the contribution of
NGOs and according to children response NGOs offer good care for children.
4.2.5. Views of Adults (parents) on Children’s Rights to Quality Education

To appreciate the perspectives of adult participants on issues relating to children’s right to
quality education; some questions were posed to both parents through focus group discussions on
the subject matter.

On the specific question on their understanding of children’s rights and whether it is equal or
unequal with adults rights, the responses of the adult participants depicted a protectionist view
that children are the responsibility of parents, people who are not capable of deciding what’s is
best for them and so adult have to decide what is appropriate for their children’s interest (Lee,
2001). It also illustrates the nature of power relations existent in the community. For instance,
one of the parents (a 36 year old female) retorted that;
Yes, children have rights but that does not mean that they have the same rights as
parents. If we and the children have the same rights they will not even respect us in the
house. Then they might as well have to cater for themselves which is not possible.
The above perspective is revealing as it indicates that even though adults in the community
appreciated the need for children to exercise their rights, they also had a protectionist view of
such rights. Most of the adults in Assosa town believed that children are incapable of deciding
what is best for their interest because they are immature and naïve. Nearly all of them
emphasized that in spite of children being inherently entitled to their rights, they are not the same
as adult’s rights. Hence, within the context of this study, the nature of power relations embedded
in the community is typified in the assertions of adult participants on the issue of equality of
children’s right with adult rights. To some extent the adults perceived their rights as the most
important in the society. It shows that adults wield the most power and influence in the society as
they make most of the decisions in their households and community in general. Thus, the
preceding account of parents have shown that they possess power which privileges them over
their children’s in the society there by invoking a feeling of inferiority and unworthiness among
the children who are in this case the less privileged in the society.
However, on the particular issue of children’s right to quality education they all agreed that it has
to be protected and promoted.
Table 4.10.the Adult (parent) judgment children have the same right as adult

1 Yes 16 66.66667%
2 No 8 33.33333%
Total 24 100%

Source: respondent sample, 2016
Table 3.6.1 show that 16(66.66667%) of the respondent are said children have the same right as
adult and only 8(33.33333%) of them are said children haven’t the same right with adult.
4.2.6. The Challenges that NGOs Face in their Day to Day Activity
As the respondents the projects undertaken by NGOs are not without its challenges and setbacks.
In their quest to promote children’s right in their project, NGOs encounters a variety of problems
and challenges that impedes the smooth running of their activities. Some of the problems include
the lack of funds, apathy on the part of some of the members of the community as well as issues
of bureaucracy and partnering with government. However, the major problem identified to that
affecting the NGO’s operations had to do with over expectations on the part of the people. In his
submission the Unit Manager of NGOs in the project lamented that: “Mainly high expectations
are our main challenge in the project. The inhabitants in the assisted communities have high
expectations of us. They think we can provide everything”.
Additionally, the NGO official further complained that: “in the infrastructure that we build,
usually some of the communities are unable to fulfill their 20% cost of the project contributions,
so they need to fall on the local government and assembly to provide them with it, which at times
they are not able to do and this delays project completion” for instance we want to nurture our
project in order to bring many street children to us but we cannot due to the lack of space for
settlement.
Special challenge that NGOs face as we understand from our interview is that, the payment that
paid for the employers of operation rescue child project of NGOs officials is by the standard of
local government due to this problem the professions are unwilling to give service to the project.
Table 4.11.the respondent’s judgment on challenges NGOs face

1 Yes - -
2 No 24 100%
Total 24 100%
Source: the respondent sample, 2016

From the above table, we understand that the entire total respondent doesn’t know the challenges
that NGOs face in their day to day activities.
4.2.7. The Possible Solution to Solve the Existing Problem

Notwithstanding these challenges highlighted above, according to NGOs Officials in the project
the humanitarian nature of their interventions sustains their development work. One official
stated that in order to deal with the problem of over expectation they make the people aware that
they: “are not the major duty bearers, we rather complement the efforts of government”.
According to the officials of the NGOs, their organization is currently seeking to extend its
interventions to other deprived communities within the project whilst exploring the possibility of
providing computers and other ICT equipment’s to its already assisted schools to facilitate the
teaching and learning of information communication technology in the schools within Adigrat
town.
Concerning the issue of how they initiate their projects, an official of NGO indicated
that: “wherever we go we work with the poorest of the poor. So when we go to any
district, the first thing we do is to contact the District Assembly for them to give us the
profile of the most vulnerable and deplorable communities and then based on that we
move there. We make these communities aware of what we do and encourage them to
apply for our projects”.
Generally in my view the solution for the existing problem is the government should give for the
NGOs what they want to have during their activities but no need of involvement of the
government during their working activities it should leave them to work according their working
standard because they are none governmental involuntary organization that stand to support the
community by standing beside the government of that community

CHAPTER FIVE
5.1.Conclusion, Recommendation and Reference

This chapter presents a summary of the findings and conclusions emerging from this thesis. First,
I revisit and address the specific research questions posed earlier in this study and then finally
provide recommendations for future research.
5.2. Conclusion
As previous discussions have shown the UNCRC 1989 is the international human rights
instrument that sets out the rights of children. The findings of this study have revealed that
promoting children’s right also constitute one of the right-based approaches to development. The
proponents of the rights-based approach in line with project perspectives on development
essentially advocates for the protection children’s rights, encourage more participation of
children in the development discourse and non-discrimination against them. Respondents from
the NGO therefore revealed that it is the desire to help children fulfill their rights that motivates
them to initiate educational projects in the community.
Thus, from the preceding discussions of this study it is apparent that, it is due to the motivation
of the NGO to promote children’s right that obviously occasions such projects. Basically the
officials of the NGO perceive that by securing children’s right through the execution of
educational projects, it will endow the children with the freedom to learn and to be taught in a
conducive environment. Consequently, the children will be provided with the needed skills and
tools that will enhance their capability to facilitate poverty reduction and promote an accelerated
community development.
Significantly, the members of the beneficiary community were in agreement with these
assertions. The study identified that even though a parent participants were skeptical about the
specific issue of equality of children’s rights with adult rights, they however agreed that
promoting children’s right is essential to providing them with the requisite skills and
understanding to make them capable and productive members of the society. They perceived the
interventions of the NGO with respect to promoting children’s right as a direct consequence on
the future of their children. My discussions with the children themselves also revealed that
through the NGO’s activity of promoting their right, they will have the opportunity to be able to

fulfill their future and academic potentials. The study has therefore shown clearly that indeed
promoting children’s right has become a significant feature of the approaches adopted by NGOs
in their development efforts.
In terms of impacts it is clear that to some extent the NGO’s activities in the Assosa town has
contributed towards promoting and protecting children’s right and enhancing the prospect of
community development. In other words through the adoption of rights and participatory
approaches in their development work, the NGO has been able to create a supportive
environment for vulnerable and marginalized groups like children to exercise their rights and
actively engage in the decision making processes of their community, thereby enhancing the
possibility for development to occur in the community. This is manifested in the way the NGO is
promoting and protecting children’s right in the beneficiary communities and the changes
experienced in the everyday lives of the children. Most of informants from the beneficiary
community indicated since the NGO intervened in the community, they have witnessed
improvements in the school in and the way children conduct their affairs within the community.
Such changes notably include the alteration of the community’s inherent power dynamics
through children participation in the decision making processes within their households and the
improvements in the standard of education they access in the community. Accordingly, within
the context of this study the level of development of the NGO’s assisted communities within the
Assosa town is measured by the extent to which children are able to secure access to their rights
and how it helps children to confront the issues of poverty, social exclusion and inequalities that
often inhibits their ability to exercise their inalienable rights enshrined in the international human
rights instruments and their national constitution. In our previous discussion we also investigate
the challenges the NGOs face in their day to day activity other than the role that play by the
NGOs in both their project that found in Assosa town those challenges are like lack of place for
settlement that enable them to nurtured their project

5.3.Recommendations
I must concede here that this study predominantly focus on a specific aspect of an NGO’s
activity within an Assosa town. Thus this study was concerned with identifying the role of NGOs
project on promoting and protecting children’s right in the Assosa town projects. In reality, it
must be emphasized here that Plan pursues numerous projects in relation to the promotion of
children’s rights in general and not just their rights. Thus in NGOs development work covers
areas relating to children’s right , better health, food security and awareness creation of child
rights in over 2 kebeles.
It is therefore recommended that in order to holistically address the issues of children’s rights in
general, perhaps future research will not only look at specific aspects of the NGO’s activity such
as promoting and protecting children’s right but rather focus more on children’s right in general.
This I argue would enable a better appreciation of the issues concerning the larger impacts of
NGOs interventions in relation to promoting protecting children’s right in Assosa The need for a
further holistic research has become more obvious in recent times due to the growing
significance of NGOs in the development agenda of many deprived societies. Additionally, with
rights and participatory methods currently featuring prominently in the development work of
NGOs a more general approach to the understanding of their impacts on community
development through the promotion of children’s rights as a whole will provide further concise
and in depth perspectives on the issue. Also the focus of previous and current research on NGOs
activity in specific aspects of children rights usually occasions smaller samples. I therefore
fervently believe that the adoption of a more thorough and general approach to the issue of
children’s rights in future research could avail the opportunity to access a more expansive
sample. I have a strong conviction that there are more areas to be explored within the context of
research of this nature taking into account the various types of NGOs involved in various kinds
of community development programmed in Ethiopia.
Sustaining and improving the quality of life for all Ethiopian children is not an easy task. They
are not a politically powerful group and do not have a clear and specific voice. In a positive
development in the recent past policy-makers are giving increased support and attention to
research into children’s lives. In addition to that strong local government leadership is necessary
to re conceptualized the child care.

And finally I recommend that the government should support and also work in cooperate with
the NGOs officials by fulfilling the things that expected from them like place for settlement, in
creating awareness to the people about the NGOs activity in deprived community and also in
giving the correct number of vulnerable children that found in the town and other things that
expected from them.

5.4 Reference
Agarwal, B. (2001). “Participatory Exclusions, Community Forestry, and Gender: An

Analysis for South Asia and a Conceptual Framework”. World Development, 29(10),
1623-1648.
Ansell, N. (2005). Children, Youth and Development. Psychology Press.
Allen, K. (1999) “The Celtic Tiger, Inequality and Social Partnership” in Administration
Vol. 47, (2): 31-55.
Alston, P. (ed.) (1994), the Best Interest of the Child: Reconciling Culture and Human
Rights, Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Archard, D. (1993), Children: Rights and childhood, London: Routledge.
Best Health for Children (2002), Investing in Parenthood to Achieve Best Health for
Children: The Supporting Parents Strategy, Dublin: Best Health for Children.
Boyden, J. (1997), “Childhood and the Policy-Makers: a Comparative Perspective on the
Globalization of Childhood” in James and Prout (1997) op. cit.
Bronfen Brenner, U. (1979), the Ecology of Human Development (Cambridge, Mass.:
Harvard University Press).
Children’s Rights Alliance (1997), Small Voices: Vital Rights Submission to the UN
Committee on the Rights of the Child, Dublin: CRA.
Children’s Rights Alliance (1998), Children’s Rights: Our Responsibilities. Concluding
Observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Dublin:
Lvisa Blanch field 2013, the united nation convention of the rights of the child.
Maurice, population palatine, world of children, 1979.
Rachel. Coomer, eited in the Nambian, 9 October 2009; “protecting the next generation have
your say on the child care and protection bill.
The role of NGO promotion and protection of child Rights, convention of the rights of the
child, 20 November 1989.
UNCRC. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Geneva.

UNESCO. (2000). “The Dakar Framework for Action: Education for All- Meeting our
Collective Commitments”. Paris: UNESCO.
UNICEF. (2009).“Social Protection to Tackle Child Poverty in Ghana”. Available at:

http//www.unicef.org/wcaro/wcaro_32_UNICEF_ODIriefing_paper_Ghana_LOW.pdf

APPENDIX
ASSOSA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCINCE AND
HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL
STUDIES
Introduction
This questionnaire is prepared by Jiregna Endalu student at Assosa University for the partial
fulfillment of bachelor degree of Ethical Studies. The main aim of this questionnaire is to collect
data for the research conducted on the Role of NGOs on Promotion and Protection of Child
Rights in Assosa town. The data collected from the respondents are used for parents, children,
NGOs officials and women and children’s affairs. Therefore, the respondents are hoped to give
genuine and clear information freely.
Instruction:
Give correct response for asked question for the base of instruction.
Write the name is unnecessary
The information will be leapt confidential used
Appendix I Questionnaire to be fulfilled by children found in the project
Part one: - personal information
Mark (√) for your answer in the given box
1, sex A, Male B, Female
2, Age A, 5-9 B, 10-12 C, 13-16 D, 17-20
3, Education level A, 1-4 B, 5-8 C, 9-12
4, Family Background A, Father B, Mother C, Both D, None

Part Two: - Question related to the Role of NGO on promotion and protection of
Child Right
5, how much are the role of NGO in protection and promotion of your right?
A, High B, Very high C, Medium D, Low
6, do you have good view toward the contribution of NGO in promotion and protection in your
right?
A, Yes B, No
7, is there a problem that your face in your day to day activity?
A, Yes B, No
8, please list down that your face?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
9, does your basic need fulfilled?
A, yes B, No
10, Are you able to participate in decision making at that
A, Yes B, No
11, what do you know about your right to quality education?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
APPENDIX 2. Questionnaire to fulfill by parents in Assosa town

Part One: - Personal Information
Mark (√) for your answer in the given box
1, Sex A, Male B, Female
2, Age A, 19-21 B, 22-26 C, 27-30 D, 30≤
3, Educational level A, primary school B, secondary school C, TVET
D, Diploma E, Degree
4, Means of livelihood
A, Merchants B, Farmer C, Micro and Small Business
D, Private Employee E, Government Employee F, None
Part Two: - Question related to the role of NGO in promotion and protection of
Child right
5, are you a member of the right of child club?
A, Yes B, No
6, if your answer in the question 6 is yes what is the nature of the activity you do?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………..
7, how much do you understand about children right?
A, More B, Few C, Nothing
8, do you think that children have the same right as adult?

A, Yes B, No
9, if your answer in the question 8 is yes how? If No why?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
10, do you support the role played by the NGO on protection and promotion of children right in
your community?
A, Yes B, No
11, what are the views of your community toward the NGO activities?
A, Good B, Bad
12, can we say there is challenge in the implementation of children right by the NGO?
A, Yes B, No
13, if your answer question 12 is yes what some of the challenges are associated with the
implementation of children right by the NGO?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………..
14, how much are your relationship with NGO?
A, High B, Very high C, Medium D, Low
APPENDIX3. Interview guide for officials of the NGO
1, how long has your organization been in the community?

2, when did this project start?
3, how is the relationship between your organization and the beneficiary communities?
4, how has your organizations project benefited the communities?
5, what are some of the challenges faced by your organization in the course of implementing
these projects?
6, what is children’s right to quality education from an organizational perspective?
7. Why the specific attention on children’s rights to quality education?
8. What is the nature of projects undertaken by your organization to promote children’s right to
quality education?
9. What is the motivation and rationale for these educational projects?
10. How are these projects initiated?

Jiregna Orginal

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Jiregna Orginal

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Jiregna Orginal

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

THE ROLE OF NGO THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS:

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL STUDIES

THE ROLE OF NON GOVERNEMENT ORGANAZATION THE

A SENIOR ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL

BACHELOR OF ART (BA) IN CIVIC AND ETHICAL STUDIES.

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU ID NO, 1931/12

ADIVISOR: - Ma, ABEBE ZELEQE

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 1

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page I

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page II

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

UNCRC United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Right

OAU Organization of Africa Union

ACRWC African Charter on the Right and Welfare of the Child

FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

WWII World War Second

CORC Committee on the Right of the Child

NCS National Children Strategy

CRA Children Right Alliance

BIC Best Interest of the Child

ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

ACHPR African Commission on Human and People Right

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page III

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page IV

2.5 Legal Frameworks towards the Protection of Child Rights....................................................................12

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page V

Table 4.1. Demographic variable of parent respondent............................................................................19

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page VI

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page VII

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 1

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 2

1.1.1 Statement of the problem

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 3

1.1Objective of the Study

1.1.1 General Objective

1.1.2 Specific Objective

1.1.3 Research Question

1.1.4Significance of the Study

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 4

1.2 Scope of the Study

1.3 Limitation of the Study

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 5

2 Review of Related Literature

2.1.1 Definition of a “Child”

2.1.2 “Rights of the Child” Contextualized

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 6

2.1.3 The pre 1945 Situation of Children Right

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 7

2.1.4 The Post 1945 Situation of Children

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 8

2.2 Child Rights Promotion and Protection

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 9

2.3 Child Interests

BY JIREGNA ENDAlU Page 10