Evaluating the role of the African committee of experts on the rights and welfare of the child in the Covid-19 era: Visualising the African child in 2050

Abstract

Africa has gained much traction in recognising the rights of the child with an emphasis on his or her holistic environments. Three general environments that affect a child are identified: first, a peaceful environment informed by adequately functional institutions that aid the implementation of all laws that improve the position of the child; second, an environment punctuated by emergencies such as armed conflict, public health emergencies or humanitarian situations. The third environment is where a child who has moved from humanitarian situations seeks solace. This may include internally-displaced persons and refugees/asylum seekers. This article evaluates the role of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child as the only regional human rights body that monitors the promotion and protection of the rights of children. The evaluation covers the third environment in the context of the COVID-19 era.