Adolescents Rights:

The Addolescents are among the most vulnerable groups to different forms of abuses, where in most cases, their rights are neither respected nor upheld.  Yet the Adolescents are entitled to a number of human rights that is meant protect their dignity, development, and well-being during the transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, typically ages 10-19. These rights emphasize autonomy, allowing adolescents to make choices affecting their lives, while addressing unique challenges like discrimination in accessing civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights. They include protections against exploitation, violence, and barriers to education, health, and participation, recognizing adolescents as rights-holders with evolving capacities.

International Frameworks on Adolescent Rights:

Several international and national frameworks guarantee the rights of adolescents as described below:

• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted in 1989, is the primary treaty protecting children and adolescents up to age 18, covering rights to protection, provision, and participation, including safeguards against exploitation and guarantees for education, health, and freedom of expression.
• The UNFPA Framework for Action on Adolescents and Youth promotes rights-based approaches to sustainable development, focusing on participation, health, and empowerment.
• Other mechanisms include the UN’s human rights system, which mainstreams youth rights, and regional frameworks like the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, ensuring access to basic services and protection.
• AU Continental Strategy on Education for Health and Well-being of Young People in Africa (EHW Strategy, 2023): This strategy aims to improve the reproductive, mental, and physical health of young people, including adolescents, by integrating health education into school curricula and contributing to broader education and development goals. It emphasizes preventing health risks and promoting well-being across the continent.
• Africa Health Strategy 2016-2030: This overarching AU framework addresses women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health, focusing on reducing disease burdens, improving access to services, and integrating health into sustainable development agendas like Agenda 2063.
• Continental Policy Framework on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (2006, adopted by AU Ministers of Health): It provides a rights-based approach to sexual and reproductive health, including for adolescents, with commitments to reduce maternal mortality, prevent HIV/AIDS, and ensure access to family planning and education.
• African Youth Charter (2006): While broader, it guarantees rights to health, education, and protection from exploitation for youth (including adolescents aged 15-35), promoting participation and empowerment to address health challenges.
• Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol, 2003): This protects adolescent girls’ rights, including access to sexual and reproductive health services, education, and protection from harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation.

Main Human Rights of the Adolescents:

The main human rights of adolescents, derived from universal declarations and child-specific treaties, include:

• Right to Life, Survival, and Development: Protection from harm, violence, and exploitation, ensuring physical and mental well-being.
• Right to Education: Access to free, compulsory, and quality education, including secondary levels, to foster personal growth.
• Right to Health: Comprehensive care, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and protection from abuse or self-harm.
• Right to Participation and Expression: Freedom to voice opinions, assemble peacefully, and engage in decisions affecting their lives.
• Right to Non-Discrimination and Equality: Protection from bias based on age, gender, disability, or other factors, ensuring equal opportunities.
• Right to Protection: From economic exploitation, child labour, trafficking, and violence, including gender-based harm.
• Right to Leisure and Rest: Time for play, recreation, and cultural activities.

How to promote Adolescent Rights:

 To ensure adolescents enjoy their rights, a multi-faceted approach is needed:

• Teach adolescents about their rights through schools, media, and community programs to empower them to advocate for themselves.
• Create safe spaces for youth involvement in decision-making, policy development, and civic engagement, respecting freedoms of expression and assembly.
• Ensure equitable access to health, education, employment, and social protection, addressing barriers like poverty and discrimination.
• Encourage family, community, and institutional support, including initiatives for non-discrimination, accountability, and transparency in human rights practices.
• Governments should enforce existing frameworks, adopt rights-based policies, and monitor compliance through bodies like human rights commissions.