Research & Resources

Evidence-based legal analysis, policy tools, and knowledge resources advancing early childhood justice across Africa.

A young African child, representing the subject at the centre of CECJ's research and knowledge production.

CECJ Knowledge Hub: applied legal research for practitioners, policymakers, and advocates.

Latest Publications

The Early Childhood Legal Gap: Mapping Legislative Frameworks in East Africa

A comparative legal analysis of early childhood care and education frameworks across the eight Partner States of the East African Community, identifying gaps in legislation, regulation, financing and institutional accountability.

Legal FrameworksEast AfricaLegislative Analysis

15 June 2026

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Policy Brief

Constitutional Obligations for Early Childhood Financing: A Comparative Study

This policy brief examines how constitutional provisions across African states create binding obligations for public financing of early childhood services, and assesses compliance.

Public FinanceConstitutional LawBudget Analysis

20 June 2024

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Guidance Note

A Practitioner's Guide to Early Childhood Development Regulatory Frameworks

A practical guide for policymakers and regulators on designing and implementing effective quality assurance systems for early childhood services, grounded in legal and rights-based principles.

Regulatory SystemsQuality AssurancePractitioner Guide

10 March 2024

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Research Report

Accessing Justice for Young Children: Grievance and Redress Mechanisms in Africa

This report documents the state of grievance and redress mechanisms available to young children and their families across African jurisdictions, identifying barriers to access and good practice examples.

Access to JusticeGrievance MechanismsRights Protection

25 January 2024

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Research Report

The Early Childhood Legal Gap: Mapping Legislative Frameworks in East Africa

Legal FrameworksEast AfricaLegislative Analysis

15 June 2026

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Policy Brief

Constitutional Obligations for Early Childhood Financing: A Comparative Study

This policy brief examines how constitutional provisions across African states create binding obligations for public financing of early childhood services, and assesses compliance.

Public FinanceConstitutional LawBudget Analysis

20 June 2024

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Guidance Note

A Practitioner's Guide to Early Childhood Development Regulatory Frameworks

A practical guide for policymakers and regulators on designing and implementing effective quality assurance systems for early childhood services, grounded in legal and rights-based principles.

Regulatory SystemsQuality AssurancePractitioner Guide

10 March 2024

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Research Report

Accessing Justice for Young Children: Grievance and Redress Mechanisms in Africa

Access to JusticeGrievance MechanismsRights Protection

25 January 2024

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Discussion Paper

Accountability Frameworks for Early Childhood Systems: Models and Approaches

An analytical review of accountability frameworks, legal, administrative, and social, that can strengthen the performance and rights-compliance of early childhood systems.

AccountabilityGovernanceSystems Change

8 November 2023

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Briefing Paper

The CRC at 35: Progress and Gaps in Early Childhood Implementation in Africa

Marking the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, this paper assesses progress and persistent gaps in implementation for children aged 0–8 across the African continent.

CRCInternational LawChildren's Rights

15 August 2023

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Manual

Early Childhood Budget Tracking: A Manual for Civil Society

A step-by-step manual enabling civil society organisations to track, analyse, and engage with public budget allocations for early childhood services at national and sub-national levels.

Budget TrackingCivil Society CapacityPublic Finance

30 May 2023

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Legislative Tool

Model Legislation for Early Childhood Systems: A Framework for Drafters

A model legislative framework offering drafters, law reformers, and advocates a rights-grounded template for comprehensive early childhood legislation, with commentary and guidance.

Model LegislationLaw ReformLegislative Drafting

14 February 2023

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