UNICEF calls on governments to improve status of children on Day of the African Child

"African governments need to provide 'more protective environments' to keep children safe and free from harm and exploitation," UNICEF said in a statement marking the 2011 Day of the African Child on Thursday, the U.N. News Centre reports.

The statement called on "governments to strengthen support systems, which provide the basis for a more protective environment in families and communities to keep children safe and strengthen families through the provision of basic social, health and education services," according to the news service (6/16). According to the statement, "UNICEF is collaborating with governments throughout the continent to create a protective environment by both fostering social welfare programmes and engaging in advocacy efforts to protect children from exploitation and abuse" (6/16).