I.
INTRODUCTION
1. The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC/the
Committee) extends its compliments to the Government of Namibia and wishes to
acknowledge with thanks the receipt ofthe initial report (2004-2012) on the status ofthe
implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (the
African Children's Charter, the Charter). The ACERWC, during its 25^^ Ordinary
Session, which was held from 20- 24 April, 2015 considered Namibia's initial report
which was submitted in accordance with State Parties obligation under Article 43 of the
African Children's Charter.
2. The Committee takes note of the written replies to its list of issues and commends the
State Party for its delegation led by Her Excellency Martha Mbombo, Acting Secretary
of Ministry ofGender Equality and Child Welfare for the open and constructive dialogue.
3. The Committee notes with appreciation that the State Party ratified the African
Children's Charter and took various initiatives to implement the rights and duties
enshrined in the Charter. However, the Committee regrets that the report was submitted
with considerable delay, which prevented the Committee from reviewing the
implementation of the Charter by Namibia for some years after the ratification.
PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHARTER
4. The Committee commends the State Party among others on the following
achievements:
a. For ratifying various international and regional human rights instruments;
b. For recognizing international and regional instruments ratified by Namibia to be selfexecuting;
c.
d.
e.
f.
For adopting the Children Care and Protection Bill;
For adopting the National Agenda for Children;
For enacting the Children's Status Act No.6 of 2006;
For adopting Maintenance Act No.9 of 2003;
g. For adopting a National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy;
h. For launching the Campaign for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in
Africa (CARMMA);
1. For developing a National Policy on Orphans and Vulnerable Children;
j. For introducing the Combating Rape Act No. 8 of 2000; and
k. For collaborating with CSOs and creating a conducive environment for CSOs to
advocate for the rights of children.