Maseru- In an era where children’s rights continue to face challenges, Her Majesty Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seisois made an unforgettable mark. At the 44th ordinary session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, she addressed an audience of experts, officials, and children from across the continent with a powerful call to action. Her Majesty’s speech was not just a ceremonial gesture but a clarion call for the protection of children’s rights across Africa, particularly those with disabilities.
She expressed deep appreciation for the work of the Committee, especially on the upcoming launch of the continental study on the status of children with disabilities.
“As the National Champion of Vulnerable Children, I am deeply invested in protecting the rights and welfare of children, not only in the Kingdom of Lesotho but across the African continent,” she said.
This session, she emphasized, is crucial as it correspondswith the 35th anniversary of the African Children’s Charter and the 10th anniversary of Agenda 2040. Both milestones underline Africa’s commitment to building a better future for its children.
In her remarks, Her Majesty touched on a theme that resonates across the continent, which is education. She reiterated the importance of education, resonating the theme of this year’s Day of the African Child: “Education for All Children of Africa: The Time is Now”.
Her call for Member States to invest in education is clear: “When we invest in quality education for our children, we are surely changing the current status and working to achieve our aspirations.”
Her Majesty’s concern extended beyond the classroom, highlighting the importance of child participation, particularly for children with special needs. She stressed that including their opinions is key to ensuring their rights are protected and their voices heard.
On the domestic front, Queen ‘Mamohato also reflected on the upcoming bicentennial celebration of Lesotho’s founding. With this celebration, she urged Basotho to introspect and go back to their crossroads with the intention to build a better Lesotho for our future generations. For Her Majesty, protecting children by ending violence and abuse against them is central to this vision.
The challenges faced by children in Lesotho are not isolated, as the country’s high unemployment rate has driven many parents to seek work in neighboring South Africa, leaving children without parental care. Her Majesty recognized the importance of child protection teams, working tirelessly to address this issue, ensuring that children without parental care receive the support they need.
Her Majesty’s message was not just focused on Lesotho but stretched across the entire continent. She praised the work of countries like Namibia and Zambia, which have submitted reports on children’s welfare, and urged them to implement the recommendations from their reviews.
A sense of urgency marked her remarks, with a strong call for action to protect the continent’s children, especially those who are most vulnerable. As Africa prepares to mark the 35th anniversary of the African Children’s Charter and the 10th anniversary of Agenda 2040 in 2025, Queen ‘Mamohato’s words serve as both a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done.
The session also included a significant moment for African children themselves. Children from across the continent came together to present their own concerns and aspirations for the future, highlighting the need for greater accountability in the education sector.
In their statement, they acknowledged education as a fundamental right, noting, “Education is key in shaping our future and empowering us to contribute to our families, communities, and countries.”
Yet, they pointed out, accountability is often lacking, leading to compromised access to education in many parts of Africa.
Children’s representative from South Sudan, Agot AlierGaron, identified clear steps to improve education, calling for free primary education in all countries and urging governments to allocate more resources. They emphasized the need for political will and parental involvement in ensuring that all children receive the education they deserve.
She portrayed that as children they are not afraid to voice the challenges they face. From corruption to poor school infrastructure and the cultural barriers that prevent children, particularly girls, from staying in school, the issues were laid bare.
“Without education for children in Africa, we have no development in our countries,” she stated.
She also addressed the negative impacts of a lack of education, including early pregnancies and idleness among youth. In some cases, children are left vulnerable to substance abuse or cultural practices like early marriage, which disrupt their education.
Children’s representative from Lesotho, Kali Phoshuli, called on governments, parents, teachers, and civil society to play their parts in ensuring accountability in the education sector. They also pledged to do their part by taking their studies seriously and holding their peers accountable.
“We will avoid peer pressure and stand for the right to education,” he said.
As the 44th session came to a close, the message was clear: Africa’s future rests on its children, and their future depends on the actions taken today. Queen ‘Mamohato’svision for an Africa fit for children resonated strongly throughout the session. Her words, along with the passionate appeals from the children themselves, were a reminder that safeguarding the rights of children requires collective effort and unwavering commitment.
Her Majesty concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment: “Let us all work together to foster an Africa fit for children.”
