Media Statement

26 November 2020

Minister Pandor congratulates Prof. Skelton on her re-election to the Committee on the Rights of the Child

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has congratulated Professor Ann Marie Skelton, on her re-election to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Professor Skelton will continue serving on this important human rights treaty body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the most ratified human rights convention, namely the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, for the period 2021 to 2025.

The Convention, which South Africa signed and ratified in 1994 and 1995 respectively, has 196 States parties. It also monitors implementation of two Optional Protocols to the Convention; one on involvement of children in armed conflict and the other on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

Professor Skelton was re-elected among 14 candidates, who sought to fill nine vacancies on the 18-person Committee at the 18th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child that was held in New York on Tuesday, 24 November 2020.

Minister Pandor said: “Professor Skelton has been an invaluable member of the CRC during her first term, including co-chairing and coordinating a number of items. As such, her re-election will ensure continuity to the work of the CRC. Her re-election will also contribute to gender diversity in the Committee, her rich expertise notwithstanding.”

Furthermore, Minister Pandor expressed her confidence that Professor Skelton’s re-election will greatly enhance the work of the Committee. The Minister wished Professor Skelton success in her endeavours in the CRC.

Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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