Remarks by Mr Sabelo Mbokazi (Head of Labor Employment and Migration Division) on behalf of H.E Minata Cessouma Samate Commissioner of HHS on the Panel Discussion on the situation of Children on the Move at the ACERWC’s  43^rd Ordinary Session

Date 16 April 2024, Maseru, Lesotho

Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso: Queen of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Excellencies Representatives of Member States

Honorable Members of the Committee,

Distinguished Representatives of the National Human Rights Institutions, UN genies, CSOs

Distinguished Representatives of Children

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls

ALL PROTOCOLS DULY OBSERVED

It is my singular honor and privilege to stand before you on behalf of H.E Minata Cessouma Samate Commissioner of the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission, at the occasion of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child’s 43^rd Ordinary Session. I wish to seize this moment to welcome you all to this pivotal discussion, where we unite in purpose to shine light on the situation of children in Africa.

Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls

As we are aware, the African Union has taken significant strides towards addressing matters of child rights. The commitment of the African Union to promoting children's rights across the continent remains steadfast. Some of you may be acquainted with the ongoing initiatives of the African Union. In 2014, the AU took a lead in a campaign aimed at eradicating child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other harmful practices.Top of Form

The AU program on combating child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, and modern slavery articulated in the Ten-Year Action Plan epitomizes the importance that the AU places on the policies geared towards the welfare of children. Building on the 2019 children on the move study which was commissioned by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, we have taken initiatives to implement the recommendations delving into the factors driving child migration and highlighting their vulnerabilities. The study on children on the move identified conflict, insecurity, illicit activities, poverty, and child abuse as significant drivers. Unless we pool all available resources, the situation of children will remain dire and the Africa We Wants will remain a slogan.

Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentleman,

As we are all conversant, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child prohibits harmful social and cultural practices affecting children’s wellbeing, dignity and normal development, FGM included. It is against this backdrop that the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child recently (in November 2023) launched a joint general comment together with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. The standards set out in the General Comment are supported by advocacy initiatives such as the Saleema Initiative hosted by the African Union. Despite the progress achieved in this regard, we remain troubled regarding the current regressive measures in some States, specifically in the Gambia where a parliamentary debate has been conducted calling for the repeal of laws that prohibit female genital mutilation in the country. 

Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentleman,

The 2024 African Union's annual theme highlights the urgent need to address educational challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and ensure universal access to quality education for all African children. Member States are urged to reaffirm their commitment to children's rights, especially regarding education, aligning with the AU's theme of the year and the Day of the African Child.

At another level, the African Union recognises that the climate crisis has put children’s life and development in great peril. In addition to the child deaths that resulted directly from natural calamities and the disruption of immunization and other healthcare services, climate change has also been a catalyst for the proliferation of vector-borne, water-borne and air-borne diseases that have increased the mortality rate among children. The crisis has led to conflicts and destabilization in many countries. Amid this grim state of affairs, the AU has made concrete efforts to address the impact of climate change. Among the interventions are the continental strategy, the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032), and the five-year continental Green Recovery Action Plan 2021-2027.

In the context of the theme of the Day of General Discussion during this Session, the African Union has adopted a continental Plan of Action to End Attacks and Other Human Rights Violations Targeting Persons with Albinism in Africa (2021-2031). The Plan provides a detailed guidance for the protection and promotion of children with albinism with specific focus on prevention, protection, accountability, and equality & non-discrimination.

Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, boys and girls

We have indeed made a lot of progresses over the years. However, it is important to highlight that despite the progress that has been made, the continent continues to face challenges that impede the realisation of children’s rights. I therefore urge Member States to adopt a comprehensive and transformative approach to take decisive measures to strengthen their efforts in responding to existing and emerging challenges of children’s rights individually in their respective territories and collectively in integrated manner.

In conclusion, I humbly request that we observe the proceedings attentively to ensure that our conversation advances actionable solutions for the benefit of children thereby we continue creating “An Africa fit for Children”

Thank you!