The African Union calls on member states to implement the African Charter on the Rights of the Child

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The African Union calls on member states to implement the African Charter on the Rights of the Child

Angolan President João Lourenco, the current Chairman of the African Union, urged member states to renew their firm commitment to the full implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

The “Africa 24 TV” website stated: African News on Monday said that this appeal comes in response to the critical situation experienced by children affected by conflicts.

In a speech he delivered, the President of the Republic of Angola, “Joao Lourenco,” directed A key message of a firm and solemn call for a renewed, fundamental and unequivocal commitment of these countries to the full and effective implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

In his speech, the Angolan President said: “Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Africa, it is a great honor and a deep sense of responsibility for me to address you, in my capacity as President of the African Union, on the occasion of the thirty-fifth anniversary of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

This is one of the noblest instruments. In the human rights system on our continent. Thirty-five years ago, African leaders recognized the urgent need to protect our children, and joined their voices for a clear vision of their basic rights. The adoption of the Charter was a historic moment, reaffirming the continental priority given to African children.

President Lourenco affirmed: “In 2021, the number of children in Africa reached about 650 million, and by 2023, nearly 40% of its population was under the age of fifteen.

By 2055, expectations indicated that the number of children would reach about one billion children, constituting a large proportion of the world’s youth.” He pointed out that “this demographic dynamic represents a transformative force that will shape the future of the continent.” It is necessary to invest heavily and strategically in education to ensure this future.”

President Lourenco stressed the crucial importance of this continental legal document, not only as a political commitment, but also as a moral and social necessity to ensure a dignified and secure future for African youth.

Therefore, the current President of the African Union places the protection of children’s rights at the core of his priorities.

The continent of Africa today remains a hotbed of latent conflicts (Somalia, Mozambique, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the border between Cameroon and Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic and northern Mali), which severely affects children’s rights.

More than 16 million African children are displaced due to conflicts, which represents about half There are 32.5 million displaced people on the continent, according to the United Nations and other organizations. Despite the progress achieved, access to education, combating malnutrition, protection in conflict zones, and eliminating child labor remain major challenges.

It is noteworthy that the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child is a regional document adopted by the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) in July 1990 and entered into force in November 1999. It aims to protect and promote children’s rights in Africa, with an emphasis on the special circumstances facing children on the continent, and includes provisions Especially such as prohibiting child marriage and setting the minimum age for marriage of 18 years.