Annex 2: CHILD FORUM CHILDREN’S VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFRICA CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD INTRODUCTION In order to ensure the inclusion of children’s views on their rights and welfare in this report, the Government convened a three-day Child Forum in Morogoro. A total of 34 children in the age range of 10-17 years participated in the Forum, with equal gender representation. Children were drawn from eight districts and were from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including the most vulnerable children. The objectives of the Child Forum were to raise children’s awareness of the rights, duties and obligations contained in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and to obtain their views on what measures and efforts have been and should be taken by the state in implementing the Charter. The majority of the children who participated in the Forum had sufficient knowledge of the concept of the rights of the child. They were also aware that it is the state that has the obligation to take measures to promote and protect the rights and welfare of the child. 1. CULTURAL VALUES AND TRADITIONS The Child Forum identified both positive cultural values and traditions and those that were considered inconsistent with children’s rights. It was the majority view that positive customs and tradition promote moral well-being. Values and traditions also play a significant role in controlling modern youth culture, dress code, appearance and negative behaviour minimizing incidences of sexual abuse or exploitation and delinquency. Positive cultural values have also an impact on proper upbringing of children such as respect of parents and other members of the community. 86