Did You Know There's an African Charter for Children?
And That It Complements the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?
Many people are familiar with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)—an international agreement that protects children’s rights around the world.
But fewer know that Africa has its very own version, tailored to our continent’s realities: the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). This Charter doesn’t replace the UN Convention—it complements it. It focuses on the specific issues faced by African children, including right here in Mauritius.
👧 Why We’re Talking About This
On African Child Day, our team had the honour of participating in a deeply engaging and eye-opening workshop at the Nelson Mandela Centre, organised in collaboration with Dis-Moi NGO.
It was a moment of awakening. We learned that the African Charter is not just a legal document—it is a tool to protect and uplift children in Africa and Mauritius alike. It’s about recognising our children not only as future leaders, but also as present holders of rights.
📘 What Is the African Charter?
The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child was adopted by the African Union in 1990 and came into force in 1999. Mauritius is among the countries that have ratified the Charter, committing to uphold its principles.
Unlike the global UNCRC, this African Charter directly addresses issues that are more prevalent or culturally specific to Africa, such as:
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💔 Child labour and exploitation
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💍 Early and forced marriage
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🧙🏽♀️ Harmful traditional practices
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🪖 Child soldiers and conflict
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📉 Economic and social exclusion
It also guarantees every child’s right to:
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🏫 Quality and accessible education
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🏥 Health care and proper nutrition
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🛡️ Protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
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💬 Freedom of expression and opinion
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❤️ Family life, love, and care
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🧒🏽 Identity, nationality, and equal opportunity
💡 Why Should We Care in Mauritius?
Because these challenges are not far away—they exist here, too.
In Mauritius, while we are proud of our progress in education and healthcare, there are still children facing neglect, poverty, abuse, and exclusion. Raising awareness about the African Charter is key to ensuring that all children—regardless of where they live—know their rights and are protected.
As adults, our responsibility is clear. We must:
✅ Protect children from harm
✅ Educate them about their rights
✅ Empower them to speak up
✅ Ensure no child is left behind in our development
When children are aware of their rights, they walk with confidence.
When we respect those rights, we build stronger, safer communities.
🙏 A Special Thanks to Dis-Moi NGO
We express our deep gratitude to Dis-Moi NGO for facilitating this vital session and helping participants understand the importance of the African Charter.
Their commitment to human rights education is not only impactful but also essential to achieving long-lasting change in Mauritius and beyond. Through their efforts, we were reminded that the foundation of a just society begins with educating and empowering our youngest citizens.
🌱 Let’s Take This Forward
As organisations, educators, and community members committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is crucial that we put children’s rights at the core of our work.
We encourage:
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NGOs and community leaders to integrate the African Charter into their youth and outreach programs
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Schools to discuss it during human rights and civics education
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Parents and guardians to talk about children’s rights at home
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Policymakers to align national laws and practices with the Charter’s principles
This Charter belongs to all African children—including those in Mauritius. Let’s use it as a compass for action and advocacy.
💬 Final Thoughts
African Child Day reminds us that awareness is the first step to change.
By recognising and promoting the African Charter, we’re not just teaching legal rights—we’re inspiring dignity, courage, and hope in the hearts of children.
Let’s carry this message forward—not just for a day, but every day. Because when children know their rights, they find their voice.
And when we truly listen, we build a stronger, more just Africa and Mauritius.
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