UNICEF urges artists to champion children’s rights
ZANZIBAR: UNICEF has called on musicians and performers taking part in the 2026 Sauti za Busara festival to use their platforms to promote children’s rights, challenge harmful social norms and inspire positive change across communities.
The appeal comes as the festival adopts the theme “Let Them (Children) Shine”, highlighting the role of art and creativity in advancing child protection and wellbeing. UNICEF said artists have a unique ability to reach diverse audiences and spark conversations that can help protect children from violence, abuse and neglect.
“Every child is born with potential, talent and light,” said Elke Wisch, UNICEF Representative to Tanzania.
“But for that light to shine fully, children must grow up feeling safe, protected and supported – not only by their families and communities, but by all of us working together.”
Elke said UNICEF, working with the Government, partners and civil society organisations, is strengthening child protection systems, improving access to quality education and supporting families and communities to adopt positive parenting practices while abandoning harmful ones.
She added that engaging people in shared spaces such as music festivals creates opportunities to confront beliefs and behaviours that undermine children’s wellbeing.
“For these efforts to be truly meaningful, we must address the barriers that dim children’s potential,” she said. “Reaching people where they gather, including at events like Sauti za Busara, helps open dialogue, listen to diverse perspectives and work together to drive change.”
UNICEF Youth Advocate Nabiha Kassim said music could play a powerful role in amplifying children’s rights, particularly the right to protection.
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“A child cannot shine if they endure violence in any setting, or live in fear, stigma or the silent pain of mental health struggles,” she said.
“As a champion of child rights, I will use this opportunity to engage artists and audiences to raise awareness, because protecting children relies on all of us understanding and fulfilling those rights.” As part of the festival programme, UNICEF hosts a dialogue titled “Arts and Impact: Reaching Communities through Music to Address Violence Against Children”.
The session brings together artists, media professionals and child rights advocates to explore how creative expression can influence public attitudes and drive social transformation.
Further UNICEF has set a booth at the festival for exhibition space showcasing its work and learning how artists and community members can champion children’s wellbeing in their own environments.
