The African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) is an independent, not-for-profit, Pan-African institute of policy research and dialogue on the African child. ACPF was established with the conviction that putting children first on the public agenda is fundamental for their wellbeing and for bringing about lasting social and economic progress in Africa. We envision an Africa where every child enjoys all rights and develops his or her full human potential. Our mission, therefore, is for an Africa that is child-friendly and accountable to its children. What we do ACPF’s work is rights based, inspired by universal values and informed by global experiences and knowledge. Its work is guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the child, and other regional and international human rights instruments. We aim to contribute to improved knowledge on children in Africa; monitor and report progress; identify policy options; provide a platform for dialogue; collaborate with governments, inter-governmental organisations and civil society in the development and implementation of effective pro-child policies and programmes. ACPF implements its work through three major programmes: • The African Child Observatory, • Children and the Law Programme, and • Child Protection and Development Programme