Florence Joshua
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has convened a high-level Joint Committee meeting in Freetown, focusing on protection of vulnerable children across the region.
The meeting, which runs from April 8 to 11, 2026 brings together lawmakers, government officials, and development partners under the theme: “Parliamentary Approaches to Safeguarding Children in Street Situations and Addressing Child Exploitation in the ECOWAS Region.”
The ECOWAS Parliament says the meeting aims to harmonise child protection laws across member states, strengthen parliamentary oversight, and improve coordination between governments and stakeholders.
The opening session began with a moment of silence, setting a reflective tone for discussions centered on child protection.
In her welcome address, Head of the Sierra Leonean Delegation, of the Ecowas Parliament, Veronica Kadie Sesay described the meeting as timely, noting that “thousands of children across West Africa remain exposed to exploitation, violence, and life on the streets.”
She emphasized the need for stronger laws, better oversight, and closer cooperation among ECOWAS member states to protect vulnerable children.
“We must ensure that no child is left without protection, opportunity, and hope,” she said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by key government officials, including Melrose Karminty, Isata Mahoi, and Timothy Musa Kabba.
The Sierra Leone minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Kabba stressed that protecting children is both a moral responsibility and a legal obligation, warning that child exploitation from trafficking to forced labour and abuse remain a major threat across the ECOWAS region. He called for stronger regional collaboration and harmonisation of laws to ensure that children are protected regardless of borders.
POLICY AND ACTION
In Sierra Leone, efforts are already underway to strengthen child protection systems in the country. These include the development of a national safeguarding policy and a data-driven monitoring system to track cases of child exploitation.
The move is expected to improve accountability, resource allocation, and response to child protection issues.
The Freetown meeting is also reviewing progress on regional frameworks and explore practical solutions to address the root causes of children living on the streets, including poverty, weak social systems, and lack of access to education.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
Participants at the meeting highlighted Sierra Leone’s recent legal reforms as a model for the region.
These include the Child Rights Act 2025, which strengthens protections for children, as well as laws targeting child marriage and promoting gender equality. Lawmakers say these reforms demonstrate how legislation can be used as a tool for social justice and protection of vulnerable groups.
Field visits and stakeholder engagements are also planned to give lawmakers firsthand insight into the challenges faced by children in street situations.
As deliberations continue in Freetown, stakeholders say the real test will be turning discussions into action.
For millions of children across West Africa, the outcome of this meeting could shape their safety, dignity, and future.
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