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Mechanisms

Communication about children's rights in Africa

African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

Which States it covers
The State must be party to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Egypt is a party to the African Children’s Charter. The Committee has held that Egypt’s Article 44 reservation does not prevent it from considering communications. Normal admissibility requirements apply.
Who can file
Victims, any interested person, groups of persons, civil society organisations, intergovernmental organisations and State parties.
Time limit
Within a reasonable period after the final decision in the State. Where exhaustion is excused, a final domestic decision is not required. The requirement to submit within a reasonable period after exhaustion does not apply when an exception to exhaustion applies.
Do I need to use national courts first?
Yes, unless remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unduly prolonged, or using them would put the child or family at risk. Explain the facts that support the exception.
Good to know
The communication must be in writing and cannot be anonymous. The communication must not raise matters pending settlement or previously settled by another international body or procedure in accordance with any legal instruments of the African Union and the principles of the United Nations Charter, and it must not rely only on media reports. Corrections checked concern Egypt’s Article 44 reservation, international proceedings and timing where exhaustion is excused. Checked on 20 October 2026 only for the corrections described here. Other information was not reverified.
How long it usually takes (estimate)
Usually 2 to 5 years.
What it can achieve
Recommendations to the State such as compensation, protection measures and reparation. The Committee follows up through country visits and implementation hearings.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.
What if my situation is urgent?
The Committee can ask the State to take provisional measures.
Privacy and safety
Decisions are published. You can ask for the identity of the child and the complainant to be withheld from the public.
What happens after the decision?
The State usually has 180 days to report on the measures taken.

This portal is a first source of ideas, not a substitute for expert advice. Before you take any step, talk to a human rights lawyer, for example the team of lawyers at Just Access e.V. (contact@just-access.de).

How to submitOfficial information

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Where it is open

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Sources