The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences for children’s rights. It has also had grave physical, emotional and psychological effects on children in countries that instituted mandatory stay-at-home, lockdown or confinement measures. In recognition of the consequences of COVID-19 on the rights and welfare of children in Africa and noting the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and the measures taken to curb its spread, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC/ Committee) is responding to policy gaps in mitigating the COVID-19 crisis.

The Committee will hold its 39th Ordinary Session virtually from 21 March to 01 April, 2022. Four States Parties Reports will be examined: Republic of Congo Periodic Report, State of Eritrea Periodic Report, Republic of Seychelles Initial Report and the Republic of Uganda Periodic Report.

The Committee will also discuss and adopt a number of commissioned studies, covering a wide range of issues from teenage prenancies, children with disabilities and children without parental care.