Ethiopia

Situated in East Africa and bordered by Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan, Ethiopia is a landlocked country characterized by diverse temperatures influenced by varying altitudes. The capital city, Addis Ababa, enjoys a relatively cool climate owing to its elevated position in the highlands at 2,400 meters above sea level. With a population exceeding 80 million, Ethiopia ranks as the second most populous nation in sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite its demographic size, Ethiopia grapples with one of the world's lowest birth registration rates, with only three percent of children under five having their births officially recorded. This issue exhibits notable disparities across urban, rural, and regional areas. Ensuring the protection of children's rights is paramount for their overall well-being, as countless children face threats of violence, exploitation, abuse, and harmful practices. A significant proportion of Ethiopia's populace—over 48 percent of approximately 94.3 million people—are individuals under the age of 18. Statistics from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) reveal concerning figures regarding gender-based violence within the country. Nearly a quarter of girls and women aged 15-49 have encountered physical violence since reaching the age of 15, while one in ten individuals in this demographic have experienced sexual violence. Shockingly, the propensity to seek assistance after such traumatic events remains meager, with only a quarter of affected girls and women seeking help. Moreover, a substantial 66 percent of victims neither sought support nor disclosed their ordeal to anyone.

Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the fourth century, marking the inception of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, also known as Tewahdo within the country. As one of the world's oldest organized Christian denominations, the church has played a significant role in Ethiopian history and culture. Traditionally, it dominates Ethiopian politics and society, serving as the preferred religion of the ruling elite until the monarchy was dismantled in 1974. Furthermore, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has served as a custodian of the nation's artistic and literary heritage.

Christianity predominantly flourishes in Ethiopia's northern highlands, exerting influence throughout the country. Over half of Ethiopians adhere to the teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, while approximately one-fifth follow various other Christian denominations, with Protestantism being the most prominent among them. Islam made its way to Ethiopia in the seventh century, and today roughly one-third of the population practices the faith. Although Islam is most prevalent in the Eastern Lowlands and adjacent regions, pockets of Muslim communities can be found dispersed across the nation.

The engagement of religious leaders in championing child rights and protection has the potential to instigate a transformation in cultural norms, attitudes, and behaviors that enhance the well-being and empowerment of children in Ethiopia. Through harnessing their moral influence and platforms, religious leaders heighten awareness, challenge detrimental customs, and foster positive perceptions regarding children. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has taken proactive steps in advancing child rights and protection by means of its diverse social initiatives. Collaborating with entities like the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the church executes programs aimed at shielding children from abuse, exploitation, and violence.