T
his report reviewed the practice of ED in Africa
and the circumstances in which it arises and
provided an analysis of existing legal and policy frameworks to prevent, prohibit and respond to
ED in Africa. As illustrated in this report, there remain
numerous policy gaps which enable ED to persist in
Africa. Furthermore, existing policy gaps go hand in
hand with a lack of awareness and political will among
African States to address ED. Further, inadequate record-keeping of incidences of ED and outdated processes and procedures (if any) contribute to the lack
of awareness and amplify the effect of ED in Africa.
Historically, on the regional level, ED has not been a
priority focus of the ACHPR, Africa’s principal human
rights body. However, the ACHPR has begun to take
steps to increase awareness of ED and the need to
eradicate it in Africa.
A number of recommendations are made in this report to successfully eradicate the crime of ED in Africa. These recommendations are aimed at addressing
the aforementioned gaps in the regional and national
legal and policy frameworks. This includes UN engagement on ED in Africa, the adoption of guidelines
by the ACHPR on measures necessary for the prevention of ED and the consideration of existing international standards and jurisprudence by regional African
courts when dealing with ED. Moreover, this report
recommends the ratification of the ICPPED by African
States, the empowering of victims and the organisations supporting them and, finally, the promotion of
solidarity networks to strengthen regional platforms
which assist victims. It is clear that a coordinated and
concerted effort at the organisational, national, regional and international level is necessary to bring
forward the eradication of the practice of ED in Africa.
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