September 2024 marks 100 years since the first internationally recognised reference to children’s rights was drafted. The then League of Nations adopted the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child in September 1924. The Declaration articulates that everyone owes children the right to: means for their development; special help in times of need; priority for relief; economic freedom and protection from exploitation; and an upbringing that instils social consciousness and duty.

At the African regional level, the African Children’s Charter marks 34 years in July 2024 since it was adopted and 25 years in November 2024 since it came into force. This book therefore is a recognition of these milestones as it spotlights selected social, economic and cultural rights of children protected in the African Children’s Charter. The book is a collection of chapters written for policymakers, practioners, advocates, activists, postgraduate students and academics aimed at promoting and protecting children’s social cultural and economic rights in Africa. The book contains valuable scientific information about contemporary children’s socio-economic and cultural rights developments in Africa and serves as an ideal resource for researchers, academics and legal practitioners. The book unquestionably is a thorough investigation and analysis of children’s socio-economic rights in Africa. It is an essential contribution to the debate on children and the law.