CSO S TRATEGY TO P ROMOTE C HILD R IGHTS AT THE ACHPR African Children’s Charter Project /Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA)

S COPE OF THE DISCUSSION Background Complementary role of ACHPR Role of CSOs to promote CR at ACHPR Recommended strategy for CSOs

B ACKGROUND ACERWC is the primary AU body responsible for implementation of the ACRWC, Other AU human rights institutions play complementary role (ACHPR, ACtHPR…) The 2011 AU “Regional Human Rights Strategy” need to mainstream child rights in the work of other AU bodies /role of CSOs/ ACHPR is envisaged to play greater complementary role in the protection and promotion of child rights.”

BACKGROUND (C ONTD …) African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights /ACHPR/ The first and oldest African human rights mechanism (est in 1987) Implementation of the African Charter HPR Protective & promotion mandate Banjul based Secretariat Communications Procedure State reporting Promotional & Fact finding visits NGOs & NHRs observer status

CHILD RIGHTS AT THE ACHPR The African Charter relevant specific provisions on children’s rights /art 17 rt to educ &18 protection to family / No significant role played by the ACHPR in responding to child rights issues None of the main activities of the Commission children’s rights played a major role. (state reporting, communications, resolutions, country visit etc) Lack of children’s voices

CHILD RIGHTS AT THE ACHPR ( CONTD.) Commission has issued approximately over 190 decisions on communications and none regard children’s rights no children’s rights communications have been submitted the ACHPR Periodic Reports of states to the Commission only briefly mention children’s rights /on Article 17 & 18)

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AT ACHPR (C ONTD.) The Commission’s official missions to states often report briefly on children’s rights but rarely in a systematic manner The Commission has created 18 Special Mechanisms, including special rapporteurs, working groups, and committees, but none of these focus on children’s rights.

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AT ACHPR (C ONTD.) ACHPR resolution (2009 ) - “formal relationship” between the Commission and the Committee - designated the Special Rapporteure on Women's’ Rights to collaborate on child rights work in Africa

R ECOMMENDED S TRATEGY FOR THE CSO S 1) Observer Status before the ACHPR  Children’s rights CSOs need to secure observer status at the Commission.  Facilitates direct access to the ACHPR - statements - submitting reports - challenge state reports - work with the special mechnisms (special rapporteures, working groups etc)  How to apply for observer status (see

R ECOMMENDATIONS ( CONTD ) 2) Technical support to ACHPR  score cards CSOs create a short scorecard for each country that can be submitted to the Commission to use for country reports, site visits, and other purposes.  legal officer/focal person at the secretariat

R ECOMMENDATIONS ( CONTD.) 3) Representation at the ACHPR sessions  CSOs must support grassroots child rights NGOs from across the Continent to attend the sessions (a travel fund should be created )  Travel fund

RECOMMENDATIONS (CONTD.) 4) Child participation at the ACHPR  CSOs need to bring children’s voices to the African Commission and its sessions  Children should be encouraged and mentored to make presentations in front of the Commission  Performances by children at ACHPR sessions  Special panels at the NGO Forum on the ACHPR

RECOMMENDATIONS (CONTD.) 5) Working with Commissioners & ACHPR Secretariat CSOs need to develop a sustained dialogue with the Commissioners and the Secretariat. Working relationship with special rapporteures, working groups Familiarize thematic & country mandated of commissioners Advocate for broader discussion on state reporting to cover the child rights provisions of the African Charter HPR..reflect on compliance with the ACRWC Design a systematic engagement with the special rapporteure on women’s rights.

R ECOMMENDATIONS ( CONTD.) 6) Engaging with NGOs/CSOs working with ACHPR - strategic & systematic manner - thematic & country - litigation - shadow report OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS ARE WELCOME!!