of NHRIs is done through national legislation. The political will to have an NHRI rests with the States. Mauritania wanted to know if there is any mechanism which allows NHRI to engage the with the ACERWC. In response, it was mentioned that there is no mechanism but the issue has been noted as important and will be tabled during the upcoming ACERWC session for its consideration. It was also pointed out that NANHRI has launched a guideline on the role of NHRIs in the implementation of the decisions of the African Commission and the Court on Human and People’s Rights. ACERWC is of the view that the Guides could be amended to include the Committee. 12. Thematic sessions These sessions considered good practices and challenges with respect to three sets of issues: access to basic social services, violence against children and conflict and crisis as they affect children’s rights and wellbeing. 12.1. Access to education and health care services The session was facilitated by Plan International and Save the Children with an additional experience sharing on education by the Government of Mauritius. The two organizations made a joint presentation followed by group discussions. a. Access to education Plan International led the presentation and discussion on education. Ms Yodit Mekuria from Plan International started the presentation by emphasizing that we need to talk about access to education with particular attention to children as children are dependent on adults and also lack of access to education affects the future of the children. The reference documents on matters of education were cited as the African Children’s Charter and Agenda 2040, which represents the African Union’s vision for children in the next 25 years. Children’s right to education was presented as a right in itself, but also a means to enjoy other rights. Ms Yodit highlighted that the essential elements of education were itemized as accessibility, affordability, adaptability and acceptability. The focus of the Forum was on accessibility being the most basic aspect. Ms Yodit continued to explain that accessibility of education should be to all children particularly vulnerable children. This includes: - Physical accessibility which entails that safe environment should be provided, and has to be accessible to younger children, girls, as well as children with disabilities; and 18 | P a g e