Mezmur/18th birthday of the African Children’s Rights Charter 142 international humanitarian law, should be interpreted and applied. Moreover, the relative success or lack thereof of the Charter can also be measured by the extent to which its provisions and their interpretation have an impact on non-state armed groups, and are also applied in instances of extraterritoriality including sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. Other areas in need of further interpretative guidance include the relevance of the provisions of the Charter in reducing the impact of violent extremism on children, children displaced by armed conflict, and attacks on schools and hospitals. It is important that the work of the African Children’s Committee address these issues in the foreseeable future. 5 THE AFRICAN COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD The African Children’s Rights Charter established the African Committee with the mandate to promote and protect the rights established by the Charter.92 The African Children’s Rights Committee has the power to consider State party reports as well as individual and inter-state communications, which presumably gives additional teeth to its provisions.93 5.1 State party reporting One of the central obligations of State parties under the African Children’s Rights Charter is to submit initial and periodic reports.94 Part of the core businesses of the African Committee is to consider such reports and provide Concluding Observations. While initial reports are due two years after the entry into force of the Charter for the State party concerned,95 and periodic reports are due every three years thereafter,96 the Committee considered its first reports only in 2008.97 Despite such a slow start, the reporting process has garnered some traction. As a result of the momentum, in 2014, the Committee held its first extraordinary session dedicated for the consideration of State party reports. To date, the number of States that have reported has increased to 36. In fact, six countries have reported twice,98 and Burkina Faso stands out as the only State that has reported three times. 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Article 32 of the African Children’s Rights Charter. Articles 44 and 45 of the African Children’s Rights Charter. Article 44(1)(a) of the African Children’s Rights Charter. As above. Article 44(1)(b) of the African Children’s Rights Charter. The initial reports of Egypt and Nigeria. Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania.