22nd – 24th November 2023
Daystar University, Valley Road Campus
Nairobi – Kenya.

THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE ON CHILD PROTECTION
IN AFRICA, 2023.

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WELCOME TO THE 2nd International Conference on Child Protection in Africa.

Theme: Violence Against Children ~ From Evidence to Action

The International Conference on Child Protection (ICCP) in Africa is a biennial event organized by the Government of Kenya through Department of Children Services (DCS) in the Ministry of Labour and Social protection in collaboration with UN agencies; universities; and practitioners in both non-governmental and private sector organizations. The ICCP Africa 2023 builds on the success of the 2016 International Conference on Best Interest for Children in the Justice System (see published papers from the conference IJAC Journal BIC Special Edition 2019) and the ICP Conference 2018, Nairobi, Kenya whose theme was “Resilience, Innovation, Evidence”.

The conference comes three years post the global COVID-19 pandemic and only seven years to the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It provides an opportunity for child protection practitioners to consult on programs that improve resilience against violence against children, the innovations and evidence of their effectiveness or lack of it. All under the principle of zero tolerance to violence against children. The ICCP Africa 2023 provides an opportunity to solidify previous successes in light of contemporary issues identified by stakeholders – that is, the urgent need to stop all forms of violence against children across the globe. The conference will identify capacity gaps and emerging good practices as evidence to inform policy, legislation and program changes in the best interest of children in Africa. The organizers acknowledge that there is opportunity to learn from other continents, and that the outcome of the conference will benefit children across the world.

KEYNOTE SPEECHES FROM Renowned Speakers

Dr. Lina Digolo

Paediatrician & Clinical Epidemiologist, Kenya

Dr. Lina Digolo

Paediatrician & Clinical Epidemiologist, Kenya

Dr. Lina Digolo is a paediatrician and clinical epidemiologist with over 15 years of experience as a technical expert in health system strengthening, research, policy development, and service delivery. She has a strong interest in bridging the gap between research evidence and practical implementation.
Lina possesses extensive expertise in assisting national
governments, civil society organizations, bilateral and
philanthropic donors, and UN agencies in utilizing evidence for policymaking and designing programs, primarily in the Global South. She has conducted several on violence against women and children in Kenya, most of which have been pivotal in shaping policy and service delivery guidelines.
Lina has actively contributed to developing, reviewing, and disseminating various national and international policies and guidelines related to the prevention of violence against children and women.

Deepak Raj Sapkota

Executive Director of Karuna Foundation Nepal

Deepak Raj Sapkota

Executive Director of Karuna Foundation Nepal

Deepak Raj Sapkota, the Executive Director of Karuna
Foundation Nepal and Honorary Consul of the Netherlands to Nepal, is a distinguished advocate for child welfare and inclusive development. Serving as a key member of the Central Child Justice Committee of Nepal, his extensive career includes leadership roles at Karuna Foundation Netherlands and the Association of International Non-Governmental Organizations in Nepal. With eight years at the Nepal Children’s Organization and a pioneering term as the first Executive Director of the Central Child Welfare Board, Deepak brings unparalleled expertise to the field. His areas of impact span children’s rights, disability prevention, community-based rehabilitation, public health, and inclusive development policymaking. He holds a Masters in Advanced Studies in Children’s Rights from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Mr. Sapkota seamlessly blends academic rigor with hands-on experience, making him an invaluable keynote speaker for the International Conference on Child Protection, sharing insights and perspectives crucial for advancing the cause of child wellbeing globally.

Andréa Santos Souza

Lecturer, Kenya

Ruth Juliet Gachanja

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and expert in child rights and anti-human trafficking

Ruth Juliet Gachanja

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and expert in child rights and anti-human trafficking

Ms. Ruth Juliet Nyambura Gachanja, a distinguished
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and expert in child rights and anti-human trafficking, holds an LLM in International Children’s Rights and an LLM in Minorities, Rights, and the Law. With a career spanning two decades, she has significantly contributed to impactful projects addressing policy gaps in children’s rights. Her global engagement includes reporting to UN bodies, and she plays a pivotal role in shaping future legal professionals as a Lecturer at Kabarak University and Child Justice Advisor to the Chief Justice of Kenya. Beyond academia, she has influenced legislative initiatives, chaired the Justice Working Group under Alliance 8.7, and led Love Justice International-Kenya. Ms. Gachanja’s commitment to child rights exemplifies her dedication to creating a safer world for children.

THEME:

Violence Against Children ~ from Evidence to Action

KEY OBJECTIVE:

The overall aim of the 2nd ICCP Africa 2023, is to contribute to and host a consultation on improved resilience against violence against children, the innovation and evidence of its effectiveness or lack of it in Africa and across the globe.