News
Masimba Kuchera, a commissioner for the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, introduced the initiative “Churches’ Commitments to Children” before the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in Mali on 28 April.
The committee, formed in July 2001, helps to implement the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Its members are elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The committee is empowered to receive and examine country reports on the measures they have adopted to implement the provisions of the children's charter as well as the progress achieved regarding how the rights are being protected.
The mission of the committee ties in well with Churches’ Commitments to Children, reflected Kuchera.
“The initiative was well-received,” Kuchera said. “In certain regions of Africa, protecting children is related to migration issues. There is a need to protect children on the move.”
Churches’ Commitments to Children, now supported by more than 200 churches and partners worldwide, was created when the WCC and UNICEF facilitated a broad consultative process around the question ‘How can churches use their influence to improve children’s lives?’
Kuchera believes as many churches as possible need to take up their own commitments in this area.
As he spoke with representatives from the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, together they explored the hope that collaborative efforts might bring.
“I see a lot of elements tying together,” said Kuchera, “such as the WCC being observers in the committee’s sessions. There is a rich possibility of collaboration there.”
