I.
Purpose of the Mission: The purpose of the Mission is to monitor the level of
implementation of the concluding observations and recommendations issued
by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
(ACERWC/the Committee) to the Government of Zimbabwe following the
consideration of the latter’s initial report on the implementation of the African
Children’s Charter in 2015.
II.
Objectives of the ACERWC in this Mission: The Missions aims at
undertaking a constructive dialogue with representatives of the Government of
Zimbabwe to learn about the progress achieved, challenges faced, and
opportunities in the implementation of its concluding observations and
recommendations. The ACERWC also intended to bring stakeholders together
to boost collaboration between the Government, UN agencies, CSOs, and
other stakeholders. Moreover, the Committee sought to enhance and
accelerate the implementation of its recommendations and to ensure that the
reporting cycle is maintained.
III.
Expected outcomes: The Mission provides for an opportunity to the
Government of Zimbabwe to appreciate its progress in implementing the
recommendations and thereby learn best practices that can be used by the
ACERWC in its further engagement with other State Parties. Moreover, the
Mission creates an opportunity to the Government to identify and address its
challenges in implementing the recommendations of the Committee. Finally,
the Mission also enhances the continued commitment from the Government of
Zimbabwe to implement the recommendations and the Charter as well as to
submit its periodic report in a foreseeable future.
IV.
Delegation: The Delegation of the ACERWC was composed of Hon.
Goisteone Nanikie Nkwe, Chairperson of the ACERWC; Hon Aver Gavar,
Member of the ACERWC and Special Rapporteur on Violence against
Children; Mr Ayalew Getachew Assefa, Senior Child Protection Officer; and Ms
Adiam Zemenfes Tsighe, Legal Researcher.
V.
Methodology: The Mission engaged in constructive discussions and bilateral
meetings with representatives the Government, UN Agencies and CSOs;
workshops as well as direct observations to identify the achievements and
challenges in relation to implementation of the concluding observations and
recommendations.
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