It is important to note that over and above national, regional and international policies and instruments, South Africa boasts a host of civil society organisations dedicated to promoting and protecting children’s rights. The South African Human Rights Commission (the SAHRC or the Commission) has in its 25th years of existence also advocated for children’s rights.
As we reflect on the strides that have been taken, we need to also note the challenges we face. One of these challenges is the fact that laws, policies and instruments have not adequately impacted positively on the lives of all children. This is evidenced by factors such as continued intergenerational poverty, intergenerational violence, the number of children without birth certificates and stateless children who are left without protection.
Recognising these complexities, the SAHRC strongly believes that the current landscape, characterised above, calls for a systemic, inclusive, transparent and dynamic process that interacts as a structured facilitated dialogue and information flow between the different elements that compose the child rights sector and the environment in which it operates.
The SAHRC identified the need for a structured “Think Tank” process to facilitate multi-stakeholder and inter-sectoral engagements on children’s rights outcomes. Accordingly, it facilitated the establishment of the Think Tank Committee on Children to facilitate a process that will centre child rights outcomes at the core of the sustainable development agenda as articulated in national, regional and internationally instruments.
This Committee comprises of the SAHRC, the Department of Social Development, the Commission for Gender Equality, UNICEF, the Children’s Institute, the Centre for Child Law, Save the Children, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Lawyers for Human Rights, Molo Songololo, Ivansplats, the Western Cape Children’s Rights Commission, the Graca Machel Trust, the Teddy Bear Foundation, Delphical, the DG Murray Trust, the Public Protector, the Department of Justice, the Tiger Brands Foundation and Give a Child a Family.
The secretariat of the Think Tank will be situated in the SAHRC’s Child Rights Unit based in the office of the Commissioner responsible for children.
The SAHRC would like to send an open invitation to any organisation working on promoting children’s rights, business, and academic institute to join the Committee as we forge ahead to create a better future for our children.
Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.