By Florence Joshua
The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a landmark resolution aimed at protecting street children and combating child exploitation across the West Africa sub region, as concerns grow over the increasing number of vulnerable children forced to survive on the streets.
The resolution was adopted during the Parliament’s First Ordinary Session of 2026 in Abuja following recommendations from a delocalised meeting of the Joint Committee on Social Affairs, Gender, Women Empowerment and People with Disabilities; Legal Affairs and Human Rights; and Trade, Customs and Free Movement held in Freetown from April 7 to 11.
Lawmakers described the streets as a harsh environment where thousands of children across the region face hunger, trafficking, violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation on a daily basis.
They noted with concern the growing number of children forced into begging and unsafe living conditions in markets, motor parks, and other public spaces, warning that street children remain among the most neglected victims of human rights abuses in the subregion.
During deliberations on the theme, “Parliamentary Approach to the Protection of Street Children and the Fight Against the Exploitation of Children in the ECOWAS Region,” the parliamentarians called on member states to adopt comprehensive national strategies for street children with clear timelines, implementation plans, and dedicated funding.
The resolution urged governments to strengthen child protection laws and guarantee access to free and inclusive education, healthcare, mental health services, birth registration, identity documentation, and child-friendly justice systems for vulnerable children.
To address the root causes of the crisis, lawmakers recommended expanded social protection programmes for vulnerable households affected by poverty, displacement, and family instability.
The Parliament also advocated preventive measures including community-based child protection systems, parental support programmes, psychosocial assistance, and public awareness campaigns aimed at tackling discrimination and social exclusion.
In addition, the ECOWAS Commission was tasked with developing a harmonised regional framework on street children to guide coordinated action among member states.
The Commission was further urged to strengthen collaboration with governments, civil society organisations, and development partners while improving the ECOWAS Child Rights Information Management System to support effective monitoring and data-driven policymaking.
Recognising the cross-border nature of child trafficking and exploitation, the Parliament called for stronger referral systems, safe repatriation procedures, and information-sharing mechanisms among member states to better protect children on the move.
The resolution also requested increased support and capacity-building for national institutions responsible for child protection, law enforcement, and child-friendly justice delivery.
Under the resolution, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament is expected to transmit the document and committee report to the President of the ECOWAS Commission for onward submission to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers.
The First Ordinary Session of the Parliament, which commenced on May 4 in Abuja, is scheduled to conclude on May 17.
Leave a Reply