The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on member states to take urgent and coordinated measures to protect street children and eliminate child exploitation across West Africa.
The decision was reached during the parliament’s 2026 First Ordinary Session held in Abuja, where lawmakers expressed concern over the rising number of children living on the streets and their exposure to abuse, trafficking and other human rights violations.
They noted that street children remained among the most vulnerable and neglected groups in society, requiring immediate and sustained intervention from governments across the sub-region.
As part of the resolution, the parliament directed member states to develop and implement comprehensive national strategies for addressing the plight of street children, complete with clear targets, timelines and dedicated funding.
It also urged governments to strengthen child protection laws and ensure that affected children have access to free education, healthcare, birth registration, identity documentation and child-friendly justice systems.
The lawmakers further called on the ECOWAS Commission to develop a harmonised regional framework to guide member states in tackling the issue and to improve coordination of responses across borders.
They recommended the expansion of the ECOWAS Child Rights Information Management System to support data collection, policy planning and accountability in child protection efforts.
The resolution also emphasised the need to address the root causes of the problem, including poverty, family breakdown and displacement, through stronger social welfare systems and targeted support for vulnerable households.
In addition, the parliament advocated preventive measures such as community-based child protection structures, parental support services, psychosocial care and public awareness campaigns against child neglect and exploitation.
The lawmakers also highlighted the cross-border nature of child trafficking, urging improved cooperation among member states through referral systems, safe repatriation processes and enhanced information sharing.
The session, themed “Parliamentary Approach to the Protection of Street Children and the Fight Against the Exploitation of Children in the ECOWAS Region,” underscored the need for sustained political commitment to safeguard children’s rights across West Africa.
