Aspiration 1: The African Children’s Charter, as supervised by the
ACERWC, provides an effective continental framework for advancing
children’s rights.
Aspiration 2: A child-friendly national legislative, policy and institutional
framework is in place in all States.
Aspiration 3: Every child’s birth – and other vital statistics -are
registered.
Aspiration 4: Every child is born alive and grows up healthy.
Aspiration 5: Every child grows up as well-nourished and with access
to the basic necessities of life.
Aspiration 6: Every child benefits fully from quality education.
Aspiration 7: Every child is protected against violence, exploitation and
abuse.
Aspiration 8: Children benefit from a child-sensitive criminal justice
system.
Aspiration 9: Every child is free from the impact of armed conflict.
Aspiration 10: African children’s views matter.
Regarding the implementation of the Agenda, it was noted that the
ACERWC coordinates the implementation, monitoring and evaluation at the
continental level. After the end of every five-year period (2020, 2025, 2030,
2035, 2040), the Committee will facilitate a stakeholder platform, including nonstate partners, to review the achievements towards the implementation of the
Agenda at the national, regional and continental levels, in order to identify the
main challenges and formulate priorities for the next five years.
After the presentation participants reflected on the Agenda and certain child
rights issues. It was highlighted that the use of the term child marriage is very
important, early marriage may be subjective hence suggestion was made to
stick with child marriage. The idea of an annual child rights forum was raised
and welcomed, it was stressed that there is a need to ensure effective
representation of children at the forum. It was also stressed that there is a need
to invest on education to ensure the realization of Agenda2040 as education is
the pillar for many aspects of development. Moreover, concerns were raised
regarding the reporting obligation under Agenda2040. It was stated that as
there is a reporting obligation on the Charter, hence there should be a different
way to ensure implementation of the Agenda instead of adding a reporting
obligation. Mr. Sekone explained that Agenda2040 is aimed at implementing
Agenda2063, it is not to elaborate or remind Member States on their obligation
on the Charter, a separate report on it is thus important.
Item 4: Protection and promotion of children’s rights in ECOWAS region:
legal and policy documents in light of Agenda 2040