ECOWAS Parliament Moves to Strengthen Child Protection for Street Children Across West Africa
The Joint Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a series of strategic measures aimed at strengthening child protection systems and addressing the growing number of children living in street situations across West Africa.
The decision was reached during a meeting held from 7 to 11 April 2026, which brought together parliamentarians, government officials, ECOWAS institutions, and civil society organisations to review existing child protection frameworks and identify implementation gaps.
Lawmakers raised concern over the increasing vulnerability of children in the region, driven by factors such as poverty, rapid urbanisation, displacement, and recurring humanitarian crises. These conditions, they noted, have contributed to a rise in the number of children living or working on the streets, exposing them to heightened risks of exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
A major focus of the meeting was the persistent gap between policy and implementation, with stakeholders highlighting weak enforcement of existing laws and limited institutional capacity in several Member States. The committee stressed the need to move beyond policy commitments toward concrete, well-funded national child protection strategies.
The proposed measures include improving access to education, healthcare, legal identity, and child-friendly justice systems for vulnerable children. Members also called for stronger social protection programmes and family support systems aimed at addressing the root causes of child vulnerability, particularly poverty and lack of basic services.
From a child safeguarding perspective, the committee emphasised the importance of prevention-focused interventions that reduce the likelihood of children ending up in street situations. Delegates also underscored the need for coordinated action across Member States to ensure that children are not left behind due to systemic gaps.
Recognising the cross-border nature of the challenge, the committee called for a harmonised regional framework to improve data collection, case management, and referral systems. This, they said, would ensure continuity of care for children moving across borders and strengthen overall protection mechanisms.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to advancing stronger legislative oversight and is expected to push for a Parliamentary Resolution on children in street situations to enhance monitoring and accountability across the region.
