Justice for Children Briefing 1: African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child is the only regional treaty on the rights of the child in existence and it is the most important instrument for children’s rights within the African Union (AU) human rights system.

It is based upon four key principles: the best interests of the child; non-discrimination; participation; and survival and development. It is unique as the only human rights instrument to have a provision that outlines the responsibilities which children have to their family, society, state and international community.

This briefing provides a short introduction to the African Committee of Experts and the provisions in the Charter relevant to the treatment of children in the criminal justice system.