ACERWC African Committee of Experts on the Rights & Welfare of the Child The normative framework established by the ACRWC is also complemented by the ACHPR, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (PRWA), the OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of the Refugee Problems in Africa and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (the Kampala Convention). In addition to these, are sub-regional instruments such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Free Movement, Right of Residence and Establishment. Child protection encompasses the full spectrum of standards and structures that protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse. This is translated into the laws, policies, regulations, standards and services that are available for protecting all children.12 Child protection system should therefore include the following key components: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. The commitment of Governments to fulfilling the ‘protection’ rights of children; Legislation and enforcement mechanisms and institutions; Attitudes, traditions, customs, behavior and practices; Engagement of the media and civil society on issues affecting children; Children’s life skills and participation; Capacity of persons in contact with children; Basic and targeted services; and Monitoring and oversight. Working together in a symbiotic fashion, these components are to ensure an efficient system of prevention and response for children. Accordingly, the normative framework of the international, regional and sub-regional instruments coupled with child protection provide the overall context within which the study is conducted. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The aim of the study is to provide an overview of the situation of children on the move within Africa and to assess the extent to which Member States of the African Union (AU) have established normative and institutional structures to address the needs of children on the move on their territories. Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following objectives: a. Mapping of the situation of children on the move within Africa, including internal movements; b. Identification of the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors including, but not limited to human rights situations, socio-economic conditions, climate or environmental risk, barriers and obstacles (legal, administrative, practice) for safe and regular movement of children both within and outside the borders of African countries; c. Identification of major migration routes, route-specific risks and protection gaps; d. Mapping and evaluation of the normative (legal, policy and administrative) and institutional mechanisms of AU Member States for: i. ii. iii. 12 Identifying children on the move within and outside their territories; Determining the magnitude of the challenges faced by children on the move on their territories; Responding to the challenges faced by children on the move in vulnerable UNICEF ‘UNICEF’s Approach to Child Protection’ [Online]. Available at <https://www.unicef.org/ protection/57929_57990.html> (Last accessed on 20 March 2018). 12