ACERWC - 7 -Tribune by Catherine Wanjiru Maina,Senior Social Worker, ACERWC Secretariat Session In-depth development; the outcome was a “Declaration to End 22e ACERWC Ordinary Session T he Violence and Discrimination against girls” which aims to chart mechanisms through which all forms of discrimina- Twenty-Second Session of the tion and abuse against girls in Africa can be eliminated. African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Wel- In the Declaration, the responsibilities of Member fare of the Child was held at the headquarters of the States and Partners were identified. Looking closeAfrican Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ly at the Declaration, it appears that the fulfillment from 4 to 8 November 2013. During the Session the Le- of the right of protection will directly contribute to gal Counsel of the African Union conducted the swearing the achievement of national socio-economic develin of three newly elected Committee members, namely: opment and poverty reduction agendas in Africa. Mrs. Suzanne Assouma, Mrs. Sidikou Alassane Moulaye The Committee also had a discussion on the planand Mr Joseph Ndayisenga. A special focus was placed ning of the 25th Anniversary of the Adoption of the on issues of discrimination and violence against girls in Charter and the launching of a campaign for the the light of their right to education, health, survival and ratifcation and reporting under the Charter. Following the debates on the theme of the day of general discussion, which gathered representatives of the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities, CSOs, INGOs, UN agencies, and experts from across Africa, a Declaration to End Discrimination and Violence against Girls in Africa was adopted by the Committee. Participants view of the Day of General Discussion - 22nd ACERWC Session Also at the heart of discussion reports on the com- that every child has the right to a name and nationality memoration of the Day of the African Child 2013 whose at birth. National differences in the interpretation of this theme was: Harmful Social and Cultural Practices affect- provision may justify the steps taken by the Committee ing Children :Our collective responsibility were present- to make this provision clear and understandable for all. ed by UNICEF. This year DAC will be celebrated accross Africa under the theme “Child Friendly, quality, free ter reaffirms that every child, no matter they are state- and compulsory education for all children in Africa”. less, refugees, born to asylum seekers parents, oe be- One of the major projects on which Com- longing to an indgenous or marginalised group, should mittee’s members members have been conscious- be registered at birth. This act, is the first step in the ly working on, will culminate during the 23rd session. development of policies and programs to affect the In order to clarify the provisions of the Charter and to make well-being of these children. The General comment is them as operational as possible, the Committee decided during its 20th session, to adopt of a General Comment on also call on States parties, international partners and civil society to play a role so that legislation and policy Article 6 of the Charter. Article 6 of the ACRWC stipulates measures accompany this process. The General Comment on Article 6 of the Char-