On every 20th of November, we celebrate International Children’s Day, and in 2025 the theme is: “Investing in Every Child: Safe, Educated, and Empowered Futures.” This theme emphasizes the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments where children can thrive and reach their full potential, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and key Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 8 on decent work and ending child labor, and SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions to end violence against children. The day raises awareness of children’s rights, protection, and education, highlights vulnerable children, promotes policy action to safeguard their wellbeing, and celebrates the joy, potential, and creativity of every child.

Every child deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and free to dream. Yet, in many communities along road construction sites, childhood is under threat. While these projects bring economic opportunities, they also introduce labor influx the sudden arrival of large numbers of workers which can increase violence against children (VAC), child labor, early pregnancies, and child marriages.

Road construction projects are vital for economic development, connecting communities, and improving access to services. However, these projects often bring a hidden risk: labor influx the sudden arrival of large numbers of workers which can increase violence against children (VAC) in surrounding communities. Children living near construction zones face heightened risks of abuse, exploitation, and neglect, making targeted interventions critical.

UNCI (Upper Nile Conservative Initiative) is at the forefront of addressing these challenges, working with communities, local authorities, and developers to protect children from the negative impacts of labor influx while promoting safer environments for growth and learning.

Understanding Labor Influx and Its Risks for Children

Labor influx occurs when workers move into an area temporarily for construction projects, bringing new social and economic dynamics. While these projects boost local economies, they can also:

• Increase exposure to child labor, as children may be drawn into informal work to support their families.
• Raise risks of sexual exploitation, early pregnancies, and child marriage, particularly for adolescent girls.

Studies in sub-Saharan Africa indicate that communities near major construction projects see higher rates of child labor, abuse, and early marriage, particularly where monitoring and protective systems are weak. (UNICEF, 2023)

How Violence Manifests in Road Construction Communities

1. Physical and Psychosocial Risks:
   Children may experience accidents, injuries, or trauma from exposure to unsafe construction activities and community-level violence.
2. Child Labor:
   Children may be recruited into informal work, sometimes performing tasks meant for adults, such as carrying heavy materials or helping at construction sites.
3. Early Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy:
   Adolescent girls face heightened vulnerability due to the arrival of new workers and economic pressures, often leading to exploitation or forced marriage.
4. Education Disruption:
   Time spent working or coping with household changes reduces school attendance and increases dropout rates.

UNCI’s Approach to Protecting Children in Road Construction Areas

UNCI takes a holistic, community-focused approach to protect children living near road construction zones. Our interventions include:

1. Community Awareness and Education
   We conduct sensitization meetings in schools and communities, engaging parents, children, and local leaders. These sessions focus on preventing Violence Against Children (VAC), promoting child rights, and encouraging safe reporting and accountability within the community.
2. Monitoring and Reporting Systems
   In partnership with Grievance Management Committees (GMCs), we track and respond to VAC incidents promptly. Child-friendly reporting channels in schools ensure that children’s voices are heard. GMCs report cases to the police and follow up to guarantee proper handling.
3. Engaging Contractors and Developers
   We work directly with contractors and road workers to strengthen child protection standards. Training emphasizes professionalism, adherence to codes of conduct, and the implementation of child-safe policies and community-benefit initiatives.

This Children’s Day, let us come together to ensure that every child grows up safe, heard, and free from violence, especially those living near road construction sites. Join UNCI in protecting children by raising awareness, reporting cases of abuse, supporting child friendly policies, and holding communities  accountable. Every action counts: your voice, your vigilance, and your advocacy can help build a world where children can learn, play, and dream without fear