CONTINUITY OF CHILD PROTECTION BY THE AFRICAN CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE: BEYOND 18 YEARS?
This contribution explores the intersection of child protection and young adulthood, focusing on the African Children’s Charter’s definition of a child as anyone under 18. It delves into Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development theory, specifically the sixth stage, to gain insight into the challenges of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. It then examines the African Children’s Charter and the African Children’s Committee’s jurisprudence, analysing communications, General Comments, and a landmark South African court decision. Furthermore, it scrutinises African Union initiatives, such as Agendas 2063 and 2040, to understand their implications for child protection beyond the age of 18. Ultimately, the paper concludes with recommendations on how to address the ongoing vulnerability of young adults and ensure their protection and well-being.
Keywords: continuity, institutional, jurisprudential, normative, psychosocial.
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