As Africa marks 35 years of the African Chapter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Girls Not Brides attended the 45th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), which took place on 7-11 April 2025, in Maseru, Lesotho. The session provided a platform for member states, organisations, and advocates to come together in a united effort to promote the rights and welfare of children across Africa.
As the stewards of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), the ACERWC has been instrumental in monitoring, evaluating, and guiding member states toward better protection and opportunities for the continent's youngest citizens. The session was not only a reminder of the progress made but also a call to action for the pressing challenges that remain.
Key Themes and Discussions
The session emphasised a range of issues crucial to creating an environment where every child can thrive and live to their fullest potential:
- State Reporting and Accountability: Member states provided updates on their progress in implementing child-friendly policies and addressing challenges, underscoring the importance of transparency and measurable action.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Collaborative efforts with regional and international organisations took centre stage, emphasising the shared responsibility in safeguarding children’s rights.
- Presentation of two studies:
- ACRWC at 35: The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child marks 35 years! On 9th April, the Committee kicked off a 35-week campaign celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Charter, during which there will be reflections on State commitments and progress made thus far, as well as a deep dive into the 31 articles of the Charter and the protections they guarantee. Follow the campaign and join the conversation using the hashtag #ACRWC35 across Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Agenda 2063: The discussions remained rooted in Africa's collective vision for a continent that prioritises its children, reflecting the principles of sustainable development and equity.
A Call to Action on Ending Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU)
Among the many issues raised, Child, Early, and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU) emerged as a critical point of discussion. Despite significant strides in policy and advocacy, CEFMU remains a pervasive challenge in many parts of the continent, disproportionately affecting girls and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
As we reflect on the discussions and resolutions from the session, it is clear that urgent and collective action is needed to address CEFMU. We call on the Committee to:
- Monitor the implementation of child marriage-related commitments under the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. We urge the Committee to call on Member States to align and harmonise national and customary laws setting the minimum age of marriage at 18, without any exceptions.
- Call on Member States to increase budget allocations for adolescent girls’ education, health, and protection services, especially in rural and marginalised communities.
- Promote meaningful participation of girls in national child rights mechanisms, including the reporting processes to the ACERWC.
- To recognise child marriage as a barrier to girls’ education, and to urge member states to implement gender-responsive education policies that keep girls in school.
The 45th Ordinary Session of the ACERWC was a powerful reminder that the future of Africa lies in its children. By addressing issues like CEFMU head-on, we not only uphold their rights but also set the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Let us continue to build on the momentum of this session, and as we work tirelessly, to ensure that African Children thrive and reach their full potential.