[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 99 (Friday, June 16, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8565-S8566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

   Mrs. KASSEBAUM. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 
fifth annual Day of the African Child. As chairman of the African 
Affairs Subcommittee, I have long been concerned about Africa's 
children.
  Earlier this year, the world community lost one of its foremost 
champions for the cause of children, Mr. James Grant. As head of 
UNICEF, Jim Grant worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children 
all around the world, particularly in Africa. His dedication, energy, 
and moral leadership will be sorely missed. On this day of African 
children, we mourn his loss but also celebrate his contributions.
  Since I first chaired the subcommittee in 1980, there has been real 
and significant progress in improving the lives of children of Africa. 
Through the commitment of African governments, private voluntary 
groups, and international organizations like UNICEF, access to 
education has increased notably. The under-5 mortality rates are now 
half what they were in 1960. Malnutrition, while still affecting some 
30 percent of African children, is less pronounced than many had feared 
entering the 1980's.
  But much remains to be done. I am particularly concerned about the 
devastating effect of civil conflict on children. While political 
factions and armed groups fight for power, it is often the most 
vulnerable and voiceless--Africa's children--who are most affected. 
Entire generations have lost opportunities for basic education. Many 
have lost parents and siblings. From Sudan to Angola, Rwanda to 
Liberia, the brutality of war has scarred millions of innocent 
children.
  Mr. President, the Day of the African Child, June 15, commemorates 
the 1976 uprising and massacre of the children of Soweto, South Africa. 
Their struggle to bring down the inhumane apartheid system vividly 
symbolizes the difficult plight of children in Africa. Their struggle, 
however, also represents the possibilities and hope for Africa as 
President Nelson Mandela finishes his 

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first year as leader of a democratic, nonracial South Africa.
  Today we celebrate the progress that has been made in bettering the 
lives of African children. But today also stands as a challenge to all 
of us to continue efforts to improve education and basic health care 
for all the children of Africa. Their future is the hope for the entire 
African Continent.

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