The Committee can undertake investigative missions to gather information on the situation of the rights of the child in a State Party.

These visits allow the Committee to document violations and make recommendations to the state concerned. They are critical to gaining first-hand knowledge.

Following a visit the Committee compiles a mission report which details the investigation and makes recommendations to the State Party concerned. This report is sent by the AU Commission to the Executive Council, the Permanent Representatives’ Committee and the AU Assembly and is published only after the AU Assembly has adopted it.

The Committee conducted a fact-finding mission to Northern Uganda in 2005 which was presented by the AU Commission to the Executive Council, the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) and the AU Assembly.

A follow-up procedure is also in place and the State Party visited by the mission can be asked to present a written reply on any measures taken in light of the recommendations made in the mission report.

• Guidelines on Investigation missions: English – ACERWC Guidelines on Investigation Missions , French – ACERWC Guidelines on Investigation Missions