The 47th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child kicked of in Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho on the 17th of April 2026. The Session opened with remarks from H.E. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of the Kingdom of Lesotho,
Keynote remarks from the AU Special Envoy on Children Affected by Armed Conflict
"I stand before you today with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility as I assume my role as the Special Envoy of the African Union on Children Affected by Armed Conflict. I am acutely aware of the gravity of this mandate and the immense challenges that lie ahead, but I am equally filled with hope and conviction that together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of the children whose futures are being stolen by the horrors of conflict."
Amb. Jainaba Jagne, AU Special Envoy on Children Affected by Armed Conflict
Keynote remarks from Chairperson of the African National Network of Human Rights Institutions
"NANHRI remains deeply concerned about the severe impact of conflict on children’s access to education. In Sudan, for instance, more than eight million children are out of school because of ongoing hostilities, making it one of the most acute education crises globally."
Chairperson of the African National Network of Human Rights Institutions
Keynote remarks from Child Representative from Lesotho
"As children we are grateful that the committee holds the member states accountable by hosting this reporting sessions which are reminder and a time for member states to reflect and introspect on how they respond issues affecting children."
Liekolo Montsi
Keynote remarks from Representative of OHCHR
"Across regions, OHCHR offices are engaging children and young people directly, with a particular
focus on participation, empowerment & access to human rights mechanisms, and on
connecting these experiences back to regional and international human rights frameworks."
Keynote remarks from Representative of UNICEF Dr. Laila Omar Gad
"The decisions and investments made now will determine whether future generations are protected, empowered, and able to realize their full potential."