The 46th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights witnessed the presentation of statements by different international Human Rights NGOs and State parties during its proceedings held in Banjul, The Gambia, from the 11 to 25 November 2009.

Below is the full statement of presented by the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), Plan International, Save the Children Sweden and partners on the strengthening of cooperation between the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. It reads:
“Following calls by child-focused non government organisations during the 44th and 45th Ordinary Sessions of the African Commission and the NGO Forums held prior to these sessions, IHRDA, Plan International Save the Children Sweden and other child-focused NGOs welcome the adoption by the African Commission of its Resolution on Cooperation Between the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in Africa’ at the end of the 45th Session in May 2009. Noteworthy is the fact that the Resolution designates the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa as the Commission’s Liaison with States Parties, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (being an inter-governmental organisation) and NGOs working on the rights of the child in Africa.

Children are increasingly subject to violations of their rights. Poverty continues to make children more vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination death by preventable diseases and lack of good quality education. Children are also among the primary victims of armed conflicts and are often inadequately catered for in rehabilitation activities.

These challenges can be overcome through the united and concerted efforts of all stakeholders (such as States Parties and Civil Society), under the leadership of the continent’s principal human rights mechanisms, the African Commission and the African Committee of Experts. Strong collaboration between the two bodies is therefore crucial to the respect, promotion, protection and fulfillment of children’s rights in Africa.

Closer collaboration between the African Commission and the African Committee will offer opportunities for cross-pollination of experiences concerted efforts in activities such as promotional visits, investigative missions, sensitisation campaigns among others can increase impact on States Parties and sensitise better national populations, as well as reduce costs for States Parties, the and civil society.