Call for Side Events
48th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC)
The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) invites interested African Union Member States, National Human Rights Institutions, United Nations agencies, Regional Economic Communities, civil society organisations, academic institutions, development partners and other stakeholders working on the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of children in Africa to submit proposals to host side events during the 48th Ordinary Session of the ACERWC, to be held in Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho, from 13 to 20 October 2026.
Side events provide an important platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, present research and innovative practices, promote dialogue on emerging children’s rights issues, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to advancing the implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and other relevant African Union policy and legal frameworks.
Dates for Side Events
Side events may be scheduled between 13 and 18 October 2026, subject to the official programme of work of the Committee and the availability of meeting space.
Submission Requirements
Organisations wishing to host a side event are requested to submit the following documents:
• Proposed theme/title of the side event;
• A concept note outlining the objectives, relevance, expected outcomes and proposed speakers;
• A draft programme or agenda.
Submissions should be sent by email to [email protected] no later than 30 August 2026.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on the following considerations:
• Relevance of the proposed theme to the promotion and protection of children’s rights in Africa;
• Alignment with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, relevant African Union legal and policy frameworks, and the mandate of the ACERWC;
• Quality, coherence and appropriateness of the concept note and programme;
• Availability of suitable meeting space during the Session.
Logistical Arrangements
Please note that organisers are fully responsible for all financial and logistical costs associated with their side events, including interpretation (where applicable), refreshments, equipment and any other related expenses. The ACERWC does not provide financial support for side events.
Where available, the Secretariat may facilitate the provision of a venue within the Session premises. Allocation of meeting space will depend on availability and the overall Session schedule.
The ACERWC looks forward to receiving proposals and to facilitating engaging discussions that contribute to the advancement of children’s rights and welfare across Africa.