Every child in Africa has the fundamental right to quality, inclusive, and accessible education without any discrimination. The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) hereby releases its General Comment on Article 11 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) on the Right to Education to provide crucial guidance to governments, policymakers, and stakeholders in ensuring equitable education for all children. The General Comment elaborates the meaning and content of the right to education as enshrined under Article 11 of the Charter by illuminating the nature of scope of States’ obligation therein, the elements of each content of the provision, and the application of the general principles of the Charter on the right to education. The General Comment also outlines the role of various stakeholders such as NHRIs and CSOs in the implementation of Article 11 on the right to education. Most importantly, the General Comment takes into account the peculiar situation of our children in Africa, the contextual barriers and challenges they face in accessing education.
The Committee invites all stakeholders including States, Children, NHRIs, CSOs, the academia and others to make reference to the General Comment, popularize it within their spheres, and utilize it in their endeavours on the right to education.
‘By upholding the right to education, we empower future generations, foster sustainable development, and fulfill our collective commitment to Africa’s children.’
The Full text of the General Comment is available here: