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




               THE FIFTH ANNUAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

   Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise today to observe the 
fifth annual Day of the African Child, a day this year which will focus 
international attention on Africa's potential amidst critical 
challenges.
  The Day of the African Child was declared in 1991 to commemorate the 
massacre of South African schoolchildren in the black township of 
Soweto 19 years ago. These elementary and high school children were 
shot and killed simply for protesting the deplorable system of 
apartheid education. On this anniversary, we have the opportunity to 
celebrate the achievements of countries like South Africa, and reflect 
on the challenges ahead for the African child--indeed, the next 
generation of Africa.
  There have been considerable strides made in Africa over the last 30 
years. In partnership with the international community, the mortality 
rate of children under 5 has decreased by half since 1960. The average 
life expectancy in the subcontinent is now 54 years, 13 years longer 
than it was in 1960. Two-thirds of African countries have immunized 75 
percent of all children under 5, and UNICEF reports that the 
governments of Africa expanded the provision of safe water to over 120 
million more people during the 1980's. Primary school enrollment has 
risen dramatically since the 1970's for both boys and girls, with 69 
percent of African girls enrolled in primary school now.
  Yet, hardships continue for many African children. Life expectancy in 
Africa is still 20 years behind that of developed states. Basic health 
care is not accessible to half of all Africans. Children in Africa 
continue to die at 10 times the rate of children in industrialized 
nations.
  But today, in addition to hunger and disease, war is also ravaging 
the minds and bodies of Africa's children. It is no coincidence that 
the countries with the first, second, and third highest rates of child 
mortality--Mozambique, Afghanistan, and Angola--are those that have 
been embroiled in the bloodiest of civil wars. Ethiopia, Somalia, and 
Liberia are close behind.
  The armed conflicts throughout Africa have taken their toll on the 
children. Last year in Rwanda, for instance, almost 100,000 children 
reportedly were killed in just a few months. In Sudan, according to a 
1992 report by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, one criterion 
for conscription was ``the presence of two molar teeth'': as a result, 
almost 12,500 boys from the ages of 9 to 16 years were enlisted.
  Last year in Liberia, I raised the issue of child soldiers with 
members of the Transitional Government, and was told that this is truly 
a problem which is rotting the country. UNICEF estimates that thousands 
of children are participating in Liberia's civil war--either to avenge 
murders of their family members or to make some hard-found money--and 
that factions abuse their young soldiers with alcohol, drugs, and 
gunpowder.
  Mr. President, while we recognize the progress made in Africa thus 
far, we must not forget these daunting challenges ahead. As we debate 
the role of the United States in Africa, we must do so with an eye to 
the future, and with an appreciation for what international partnership 
can achieve.

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