Institutional News
From 27 to 31 July 2026, Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing had the privilege of representing the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) at the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment, held in Windhoek, Namibia.
A Forum Dedicated to Inclusive Social Development Across the Continent
Discussions during this session covered several key issues for the continent’s future: a briefing on harmful practices, the African Common Position against Violence against Children, the need for well-structured and adequately resourced social protection schemes for all, and the promotion of inclusive social development spanning ageing, disability inclusion, family, social protection, and social policy.
Two Key Documents Presented by Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing
During this session, Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing presented two reference documents developed within the African Committee of Experts.
The Guidelines on Ending Violence against Children aim to support Member States in moving from fragmented interventions toward comprehensive child protection systems. At the legal and institutional levels, the Guidelines encourage States to adopt a comprehensive definition of violence, encompassing its diverse forms and taking into account the various settings in which it occurs. They provide clear guidance for law enforcement, justice, health, education, and social protection officers, stressing the need for greater emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, and victim support, beyond the mere punishment of perpetrators. All of this must be framed within national plans of action equipped with prevention and response mechanisms.
The Thematic Report on Harmful Practices in Africa offers background analysis alongside a case study of 10 countries, assessed against 9 indicators. It reviews existing legal and institutional frameworks, as well as the impact of continental and national initiatives. The report recommends comprehensive and harmonised legal reform, coordinated multisectoral implementation, community engagement geared toward social norm change, stronger accountability, data and monitoring, sustained political will, adequate resources, and the meaningful participation of girls and young women.
A Shared Conviction at the Close of the Session
At the end of this working session, one conviction was shared among all participants:
If today we fail to adequately invest in our children, we are surely compromising our common future.
This participation reflects Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing’s ongoing commitment to continental bodies dedicated to child protection, and Cameroon’s active contribution to shaping pan-African standards in this field.