In line with the commemoration of the Day of the African Child 2021, the Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro on Wednesday officially inaugurated the office of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) in Maseru.
In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the African Union (AU) in particular the department of Social affairs.
He said their working relations which started seven years ago have yielded beautiful results.
He noted that in 2013, Lesotho and other countries proposed to host the Secretariat, saying this has become true for Lesotho as he has now inaugurated the office of the Secretariat.
He noted that children’s rights are often trembled over, saying with this organisation headquarters in the country, then children’s rights will be protected.
He added that this credits them to protect their own children and use this opportunity to protect those of Lesotho and the rest of Africa.
He thanked the previous government led by former Prime Minister, Dr Motsoahae Thomas Thabane and Minister of Social Development, Mrs. Matebatso Doti for investing most of their time, saying they are grateful that their efforts have paid off.
He said the aim of the Secretariat is to promote and protect the rights and welfare of African Child and Lesotho Child, saying parents and adults must accept the responsibility to protect and safeguard the lives of the children.
Dr Majoro invited the Secretariat after settling to go up the mountain near Avani Lesotho and sit down with street children residing there to get the feel of how children’s rights have trembled over.
He highlighted that they are fully committed as the country to the aims and objectives of the African Charter which Lesotho ratified in 1998.
He called on development partners, media and government departments to assist this office so that it serves all African countries.
At the same event, Commissioner of Social Affairs of the AU Mrs. Amira El Fadil said this is a remarkable ceremony to inaugurate the Secretariat office, noting that it is almost six months since ACERWC staff arrived in Maseru to establish the office and that with lockdown restrictions, it was not easy to travel but eventually they did despite all the challenges.
She expressed appreciation to His Majesty King Letsie III’s dedication and efforts and successfully advocating for nutrition in the African continent as a Champion.
She said in His Majesty’s term, they managed to develop a five-year strategic plan that was launched in Addis Ababa Ethiopia in 2019.
She noted that this is the beginning of the new journey between ACERWC and the government of Lesotho hence pledged their commitment to support the Secretariat and ensure that the structure of 46 staff is completed as opposed to now when they only have 10.
She remarked that they want Lesotho to be the hub for child rights in Africa as well as to lead all child protection issues in Africa.
On the other hand, the Chairperson of ACERWC, Mr. Joseph Ndayisenga congratulated the Kingdom of Lesotho for being chosen at the end of this long process, saying he has followed this process since 2013.
He expressed gratitude to Lesotho for hosting the Committee’s Secretariat and assisting the Secretariat to settle.
He urged the government of Lesotho to continue to respect its obligations under the Charter thus ensuring that the children of Lesotho fully enjoy their rights.
He further encouraged the government to comply with its obligations to submit its periodic report on time in accordance with the Charter and to effectively implement the recommendations of the Committee in order to improve the protection of children’s rights in the country.
He said the inauguration is not only a symbolic time but a very important and unforgettable event for the Secretariat, the Committee and the children of Africa.
On one hand, UNICEF Representative, Ms. Amira Bains said the day marks a significant moment both for the AU, Basotho children and adolescents.
She added that this date marks 30 years since the adoption of the African Charter therefore all have to accelerate the implementation of the Agenda 2040.
She remarked that they can make progress for children in Lesotho, Southern Africa and the continent if they listen to children and ensure they have access to health services and education.
ACERWC hoist its flag in the country in March 2021. It is mandated to promote and protect the rights and welfare of the child as provided in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.