AbstractEach right has a corresponding duty. The African Children's Charter,
under article 31, imposes a range of duties on children. Understandably, it
could become contentious when an instrument on the rights and welfare of
children expressly imposes duties on them. After setting the platform for
discussion by highlighting international experiences and outlining the African
concept of human rights, this article critically examines and attempts to
clarify the precise meaning, content, conditions of compliance and application
of those duties for children. By way of conclusion, it suggests that article 31
represents a valuable addition to the international human rights agenda, and
that a purposeful interpretation of its constituent parts reveals that children
should be required to play a role at family, community, national and continental
levels, in accordance with their age and maturity as they grow up, as part and
parcel of their heritage, empowerment and developing citizenship.
A Dutiful Child: The Implications of Article 31 of the African
Children's Charter
