GNRC Comoros Committee was launched on 30^th June 2022 at a hybrid event (virtual and live), attended by a total of twenty-nine (29) participants, among them GNRC Comoros committee members, faith leaders, children and GNRC Coordinators from other countries under the leadership of the Country Coordinator, Mr. Said M’Changama Akim. 

Oustadh Safari Mohamed a member of GNRC committee, gave a brief history of the GNRC anchor organization in Comoros, that was started in 2015 and works to ensure the well-being of children in the country.  He thanked Arigatou International for continued support. 

Speaking during the launch, the GNRC coordinator Comoros, Mr. Akim highlighted some of the forms of violence that children face in the coastal regions of Comoros such as physical, psychological abuse and early marriages among others. He urged all the stakeholders involved to join hands and work together to eliminate these social norms. “Our activities are directed to supporting vulnerable children especially victims of sexual abuse,” he said.

Some of the collaborations that they have formed include a close work relationship with the mainstream media and social media influencers to create public awareness against sexual abuse and identifying other forms of child exploitation. He mentioned that children are given a priority in their Network so that they can learn to be responsible and to know their rights. 

GNRC Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali thanked and commended GNRC Comoros for their continued work and commitment to children. He pronounced GNRC Comoros Committee launched in the presence of faith leaders, children and members. 

On 20^th June 2022, the GNRC Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali together with the Nairobi Secretariat team, joined members from GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina to officially launch the GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina Committee. The virtual event was attended by twenty-four (24) participants, among them faith leaders, a psychologist, coordinators and contact persons from other countries, and children. Also, in attendance were Fred Nyabera (Director, End Child Poverty), Ms. Beth Gum, and Ms. Vera Leal, both representing Arigatou International Geneva office.

Ms. Ismeta Begic, the GNRC Coordinator for Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the meeting by giving her welcome remarks where she stated that their main goal is to promote inter-faith collaboration in advocating for children’s rights and their well-being. She then welcomed Dr. Ali, who, in his remarks, congratulated the members for the work they have been doing over the years. He further encouraged them to continue focusing on improving and building better conditions for children. He also reminded them that the goal of launching and re-launching the country Networks and Committees was to strengthen and reinvigorate GNRC, as one of the recommendations of the Network assessment.

Rev. Nyabera updated members on the tenth anniversary of the Interfaith Initiative to End Child Poverty. He also encouraged members to continue focusing on multi-stakeholder cooperation in their efforts to strengthen the Network. In her remarks, Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat, the GNRC Networks and Programs Coordinator, commended GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina for ensuring diversity in the committee membership, especially by including children.

Fr. Josip Ikic quoted a verse from the Quran and a similar one from the Bible on ‘prayer and work’, - laying emphasis on the importance of both, in our work towards ensuring a safe community for all children. 

Children were represented during the launch with Sajra, a 13-year-old representative from Mozaik who played a song. Two other children, Muhamed and Melika led the opening prayers and gave their message of hope for children. Ms. Zvonimira Jakić, GNRC Youth Representative for Bosnia and Hezegovina highlighted some of the activities being implemented in the country with children and faith leaders. 

Dr. Ali concluded the event by officially pronouncing GNRC Bosnia & Herzegovina Committee launched.

GNRC South Africa was launched on 26^th June 2022, in Durban, South Africa, at a ceremony that brought together sixty (60) participants; among them leaders from seven (7) different faiths, namely, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Singh, Bahai and the Jewish communities. Twelve (12) GNRC South Africa committee members led by Ms. Saydoon Sayed, the GNRC South Africa Coordinator, children representatives, religious leaders, and a professionals from the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa attended the occasion.

GNRC Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali together with the Arigatou International – Nairobi Secretariat team, joined members from GNRC South Africa to launch the GNRC South Africa Committee. In attendance were Ms. Maria Lucia Uribe, the Director, Arigatou International Geneva and the End Child Poverty Director, Rev. Fred Nyabera. 

Saydoon Sayed welcomed the guests by appreciating them for making time to honor and celebrate children. Ms. Saydoon invited representatives from all faiths represented, who led the opening prayers. Children led by Mowat Park High school recited a spectacular dance poem with messages on peace, justice, joy, love, and hope.

Speaking during the launch, Rev. Mike Vorster, reiterated that there is need to reestablish the dignity of children as they are often not given a chance to express themselves adding that children should be the center of the house that needs to be nurtured and protected. “Children need to grow in an environment where they feel accepted and feel loved”, he concluded.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mustafa expressed his gratitude to see different faiths and traditions represented in the event and congratulated the GNRC South Africa Coordinator for her leadership, in the work towards strengthening and reinvigorating the Network. “It is my pleasure to be with you here today to officially launch GNRC South Africa, as we focus on building a better world for children” Dr. Ali stated. 

 “We are happy to see a good team of committee members comprised of different faith leaders, different traditions, and children’s representatives all with unique abilities and qualities to support the GNRC South Africa Network”- Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat, the GNRC Networks and Programs Coordinator said. She further added that she was looking forward to working with all of them for a strengthened and reinvigorated GNRC South Africa Network. 

Rev. Nyabera congratulated GNRC South Africa and noted that he looks forward to continue working together with the team. He then updated the participants about the tenth anniversary celebration of the Interfaith Initiative to End Child Poverty dubbed ECP@10. 

GNRC Secretary General Dr. Ali pronounced the GNRC South Africa officially launched. He wished participants the best in their work towards a world free of child violence. Children present lit candles and cut a cake to symbolize the launch.    

Ismeta Begić, President, UŽ “Mozaik,” and GNRC Coordinator – Bosnia and Herzegovina

Religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and across Europe, is treated as a private matter, making it difficult to engage in interfaith activities that protect children. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, GNRC’s interfaith engagements began on the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children in 2012, when we mobilized children and religious leaders around advocacy and promotion of children’s rights.
Bringing religious leaders from different faith traditions to a common platform wasn’t easy. To encourage cooperation, we picked a topic they could comfortably speak about publicly.

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