The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a resolution aimed at protecting street children and combating child exploitation across West Africa.
The resolution called on member States to “intensify public awareness campaigns against discrimination and social exclusion, while strengthening efforts to safeguard vulnerable children”.
Lawmakers also highlighted the growing cross-border nature of child trafficking and exploitation, urging the establishment of referral systems, safe repatriation protocols and stronger information-sharing mechanisms among member states to better protect children on the move.
The Parliament further stressed the need to expand capacity-building support for national institutions responsible for child protection, child-friendly justice systems and law enforcement. Thursday’s sitting focused on the theme: “Parliamentary Approach to the Protection of Street Children and the Fight Against the Exploitation of Children in the ECOWAS Region.”
The discussions formed part of broader regional efforts to address child vulnerability, trafficking and exploitation within the Economic Community of West African States region.