41st International Symposium on Child Abuse

Just like in 2024, this year Children First Organisation was invited to take part to the 41st International Symposium on Child Abuse. I remember how sad was-it last year, when we informed Julia Aquila, Program Manager in charge of Conferences, at National Children’s Advocacy Center, that we could not participate to the 40th Symposium.

This year, three people were invited, the local Coordinator, our Attorney Coordinator and myself. Unfortunately, the current situation of D.R. Congo could not allow our members to process for the Visa from Kinshasa. But We did not want to miss this opportunity, because one of our Goals is: “To be the voice of the voiceless despite whatever it costs”.

We express our gratitude to National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC), for inviting us. They allowed us to share our expertise and dedication to this critical issue of Child abuse during the 41st International Symposium on Child Abuse that took place on March 17 – 20, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Before talking about the topic that was entrusted to Children First Organisation, we would like to expression our feelings , from the Huntsville Airport to the magnificent Von Braun Center, passing through the splendid AC Hotels, and when we met with Victoria Tumbleson and the check-in service members.

“The Symposium attracts an international audience of over 1,200 child maltreatment professionals and 45+ exhibitors. The purpose of this symposium is to bring together professionals and experts from the child maltreatment field to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and collaborate on innovative solutions”.

Our presentation was entitled: “Abused Children Victims of Tribal Conflicts in Africa”. During 75 minutes, assisted by Adelaide Waggoner, we tried to ensure attendees to be aware of child protection challenges in the situation of tribal conflicts in Africa and the way Children First Organisation is involved to stop child abuse or to report this crime.

In our presentation, we discuss all the consequences of tribal conflicts in South Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Central Africa, Cameroon, Chad and D.R. Congo. And we realized that our children are not only abused verbally, physically or sexually, but in all the aspects of their life, They are deprived of water, food, education, parental love, safe environment, right to live, right to speak, right to report an abuse.

Children First Organisation is condemning child enrollment into armes forces. We deplore massive kidnapping or killing in Africa. We denounce early or forced marriages. Finally, we decry silent Rape. Therefore, it is time to stand together as one voice, and to say STOP to tribal conflicts, STOP to child abuse, and STOP to gender gap.

Esaie MUANDA, Manager