Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a pervasive abuse of the rights of girls and women that is as old as human civilization. The practice is present in all regions of the world, though it is more prevalent within certain cultures and regions. In Africa, the practice ranges in prevalence from minimal in some countries, to nearly universal in some other countries. FGM permeates most social, economic, religious and cultural stratification in the African region. The age at which girls and women are most at risk of FGM may vary from one culture or community to another.

MEDIA RELEASE: 

An estimated 35 million children without parental care in Africa 

need immediate strengthened protection systems and quality care services 

Background

The Validation Workshop on the Draft Continental Study on the Impact of Climate Change on the Rights of Children in Africa, is commencing from November 3-4, 2023, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This critical event brings together experts, stakeholders, and advocates from across the continent to review and validate the findings and recommendations of a comprehensive study exploring the profound effects of climate change on the rights and well-being of African children.

The Committee holds two ordinary sessions each year. The duration of the session varies in each case from 10 to 15 days depending on needs and finance. The Secretary of the African Commission must communicate to the members the date and venue of the ordinary session at least 60 days ahead of the session.

Background

Background

The Day of the African Child (DAC) was first launched by the Assembly of Heads of State of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1991 to be commemorated annually on 16 June. The day is significant as it honours the 1976 student-led uprising in Soweto, South Africa, that resulted in the killing of numerous unarmed students and young protesters by the apartheid regime. The day is, therefore, a reminder of the costly price these children paid for demanding respect of their fundamental rights to education and freedom.

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION