Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara has affirmed Lesotho’s readiness in supporting constructive dialogue, mutual learning and collective action as the host of the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC).
Justice Majara said when officially opening the session in Maseru on Tuesday where she urged all to use the opportunity to share experiences, celebrate progress, confront challenges honestly and strengthen their common resolve to build an Africa where evey child is protected, respected, nurtured, loved and empowered to achieve their full potential.
She welcomed all on behalf of the government of Lesotho and extended her congratulations to the Arab Republic of Egypt, The Gambia, the State of Libya and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania whose state party reports will be considered by the committee in this session.
She commended these members states for engaging with this vital process
and wished them fruitful and constructive dialogue with the committee as they present progress made, challenges encountered and lesson learned in implementing the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
She also acknowledged the important contribution of civil society organizations who submitted complementary reports on Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Cabo Verde.
At the same event, ACERWC Chairperson Ms. Sabrina Gahar explained that during this Session, the Committee will undertake constructive dialogue with State Parties on the implementation of the Charter, while they consider; the Initial Report of the Republic of The Gambia and the Initial Report of the State of Libya, the First Periodic Report of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Arab Republic of Egypt, followed by the complementary report of the CSO of Sierra Leone; Côte d’Ivoire and Cabo Verde prior to the consideration of the country reports during the next session in April 2027.
She said for the first time and in order to strengthen the collaboration with the National Human Rights Institutions, the committee will also consider the contributions of the NHRI of Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Cabo Verde.
On the other hand, United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Taija Kontinen- Sharp said the 48th Ordinary Session of the ACERWC comes at an important moment for children.
She highlighted that children are growing up in a world that is changing fast and their message is that children’s rights must keep pace with that change and they must do so for every child.
On behalf of children Thato Sello, Lesotho national said this session presents an opportunity to reflect on the circumstances shaping children’s lives and to consider how existing commitments can translate into meaningful progress.
“As the continent advances towards an increasingly interconnected future, the protection of children’s rights remains fundamental to the realisation of a peaceful, equitable and prosperous Africa,” she said.
Another, Joyce Neide Sapalo da Conceição, Child representative from Angola said their delegation stands in absolute solidarity with their sister nations across the African Union under the African Children’s Charter.
She said every child on their continent has a fundamental right to health, clean water and a dignified education yet, across their region, these rights are not being followed.
“When girls lose their dignity due to broken sanitation and when children with disabilities are left invisible, our legal treaties are failing on the ground. If we are truly here to lift the whole of Africa, we must move past broad diplomatic words and look at what is actually happening,” she emphasised.
The 48th Ordinary Session of the ACERWC is being held from October 13 to 20 at the Manthabiseng Convention centre under the theme, “Violence Against Children and Harmful Practices: Navigating the Digital Frontier”.
Its core agenda includes examining pending communications on alleged child rights violations and reviewing reports from Committee members, working groups and special rapporteurs.
Also discussing institutional matters and adopting recommendations to promote child welfare across Africa.
Attended by AU Member States, UN agencies, NHRIs, civil society and child rights experts among others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.