2.3 Understanding the laws and policies that protect children’s rights in East Africa

Activity 2.1: Role of national laws and policies

Can you think of any reasons why it is important to have national laws and policies when we already have the UN Convention and the African Charter?

To use this interactive functionality a free OU account is required. Sign in or register.
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

Discussion

Although Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have all ratified both the UN Convention and the African Charter, this does not, on its own, provide sufficient protection to ensure children’s rights. Those rights also need to be introduced into national constitutions or laws and policies. This shows that each country is taking the issue of children’s rights seriously and is applying it specifically to their own situation.

2.2 Learning outcomes