The potential of the Expert Committee of the African Children’s Charter in advancing adolescent sexual health and rights in Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the role of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACE) in advancing the sexual and reproductive rights of adolescent girls in Africa. The paper focuses on the implications of lack of access to contraceptive services for the enjoyment of the rights of adolescent girls as guaranteed under the African Children’s Charter and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It then considers the potential role of the ACE, through its protective and promotional mandate, in advancing female adolescents sexual and reproductive rights in Africa. The paper draws on experiences of other human rights bodies such as the Committee on the Rights of the Child before finding that ACE is in a unique position to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls in the region.