Theme:

• Child Law Reform

theme

Country: Africa

It has been seventeen years since the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), came into force internationally, enabling an opportunity for reflection on the impact and application of the convention so far. A regional examination of the extent of harmonisation of laws relating to children under the umbrella of the CRC was first mooted in 2003, at the First International Policy Conference organized by The African Child Policy Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was recommended that a study be undertaken to examine harmonisation and implementation of laws, and to highlight good practice. The provisions of the CRC are clear, but implementation methods are left to the discretion of each individual state. In order to fully realise the protective measures of the CRC, countries must fully implement and operationalise the provisions. The plurality and diversity of African legal systems could be seen to negate the idea of one ‘best’ practice, as it would be difficult for any single model to have universal application. Hence, this report aims to provide a useful service by sharing the different practices adopted by various states in implementing the CRC. This report looks at different practices across seven countries in East and Southern Africa. The countries represent different legal systems, including one country undergoing post-conflict reconstruction, and highlight good practices, their impacts, key actors and lessons learnt. It aims to offer models for comparison and possible replication to other countries in the region and beyond. However, while it examines some examples of good practice in the region, it is not intended as a comprehensive or exhaustive review of practices in the region. The report is designed for use by governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other interested actors in the field of children’s rights to help inform implementation of the CRC in their own countries. We hope that countries can learn from the experiences of others, as well as increase awareness about the CRC and gaps in its implementation.

Language: English