Children in South Africa have been afforded outstanding Constitutional, legislative and institutional provisions for their survival, development, protection and participation. As a result, there is growing evidence that progressive gains are being made in the quality of their everyday lives. This fact has been affirmed during the recent consultation processes that was conducted country wide in preparation of South Africa's Periodic Reports that is due to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Union Expert Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). South Africa ratified the UNCRC on the 16 June 1995 and the ACRWC on 7 January 2000.
But, the national consultations also indicated that there remains enormous challenges and extensive dedicated work that is still required to ensure that all South Africa's children have a healthy start, achieve their full potential, are protected from all forms of harm, grow up in family environments that are supportive to their developmental needs and that they participate actively in matters that affects them. So, the emphasis is on their well being and happiness every day - while recognising the enormous broader development benefits that accrues to our nation if substantive economic investments are made now.
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