ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The 23rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) was opened yesterday, 09 April, 2014, at the African Union Conference Centre, in presence of representatives of the African Union Commission, Representatives of the UNOHCHR, UNHCR, UNICEF, Plan International, Save the Children and others partners and key stakeholders on the rights and welfare of the child in Africa.
In her statement, H.E. Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace , AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, on behalf of the AUC Commissioner for Social Affairs highlighted the challenges that are still impeding the full realization of child rights on the continent and she welcomed this Session as an avenue where possible solutions to address these challenges will be discussed.
A representative from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), Commissioner Soyata Maiga also made remarks focusing on the way to further strengthen the collaboration between the ACERWC and other AU organs with human rights mandates. In her statement, the Commissioner reaffirmed the availability of the ACHPR to work closely with the ACERWC on issues pertaining to children rights in Africa.
In order to give the ACERWC its own visual and branding identity as an autonomous AU organ, the Committee’s logo was officially launched and presented to partners. It will be disseminated to various audiences so as to familiarize them with the vision, missions and mandate of the ACERWC.
During this Session, the ACERWC will be undertaking a number of activities including the Day of the General Discussion. The theme of the Day of General Discussion focuses on issues related to child marriage which basically complements the AU Campaign on Ending Child Marriage in Africa that is currently being implemented by the Department of Social Affairs.
Liberia report will be examined by the Committee and the consideration of a communication against a State party to the Charter is also going to be considered during this session.
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