I.
INTRODUCTION
1. The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
(ACERWC) extends its compliments to the Government of Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia and wishes to acknowledge with thanks receipt of the initial
report on the status of implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and
Welfare of the Child. The ACERWC, during in its 1st Extra Ordinary Session
which was held in 6-11 October, considered Ethiopia’s initial report which was
submitted in accordance with the State Parties obligation under Article 43 of the
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
2. The Committee extends its compliments to the Government of Ethiopia for its
ratification of the Charter; however, the Committee regrets that the State Party
submitted its report lately than the due date.
3. The Committee welcomes the productive discussion with the delegation of
Ethiopia led by H.E. Zenebu Zewede, Minster of Women, Children and Youth
Affairs. The dialogue enlightened the Committee about the measures the State
Party has taken in the implementation of the Charter..
II.
PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHARTER
4. The Committee notes with appreciation,inter alia,the following positive measures
the State has taken;
a.
b.
c.
d.
The National Children Policy
The National Plan of Action for Children
The adoption of Guidelines on Alternative Care for Children
The adoption of the twenty-year Education Sector Plan and the Education Sector
Development Programs (ESDP)
e. The establishment of children’s court
f. The health extension program
g. The provision of free legal aid for child right issues
2