Factsheet On The Impact Of Climate Change On Seas And Oceans In Relation To Children?s Rights In Africa
African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC)
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Abstract: This factsheet examines how climate change affects Africa?s marine ecosystems and disproportionately impacts children in coastal regions. Surrounded by vast ocean systems, 39 African coastal states face sea level rise, warming, acidification, flooding, and erosion?threatening cities like Mombasa and Dakar. These climate-driven disruptions undermine children?s access to education, water, housing, and protection. The document highlights legal obligations under the African Charter, Agenda 2063, and Africa Blue Economy Strategy, calling for children?s rights to be embedded in maritime governance. It includes data projections for coastal submersion by 2050, shares case studies from Small Island Developing States, and emphasizes inclusive resilience policies. The factsheet also references the 2023 ITLOS advisory opinion on ocean protection to frame state accountability. Its recommendations include climate-informed child protection policies, locally led marine adaptation, and leveraging intergovernmental legal instruments for safeguarding vulnerable coastal populations.