ECOWAS Lawmakers Convene in Freetown Over Rising Child Exploitation Crisis

Lawmakers from across West Africa have gathered in Freetown for a high-level session of the ECOWAS Parliament to tackle the growing crisis of child exploitation and the surge in the number of children living on the streets.

The five-day meeting, running from April 8 to 12, 2026, brings together key parliamentary committees under the theme: “Parliamentary Approaches to Safeguarding Children in Street Situations and Addressing Child Exploitation in the ECOWAS Region.”

Rising risks for vulnerable children

Participants warned that worsening economic conditions, rapid urbanisation, and ongoing humanitarian pressures are forcing more children into street life across the region.

These children face multiple risks, including:

• Exploitation and hazardous labour
• Violence and abuse
• Substance addiction
• Limited access to education and protection services

Despite existing legal frameworks, lawmakers noted that weak implementation, limited funding, and poor coordination continue to undermine child protection efforts.

Push for stronger regional action

The session is aligned with ECOWAS commitments, including the Child Policy and Strategic Plan of Action (2019–2030) and the regional Gender Strategy.

However, lawmakers stressed that gaps in enforcement and policy alignment—especially across borders—are worsening the situation.

“In a region with porous borders and high mobility, differences in legal systems and enforcement capacity create dangerous protection gaps, particularly for vulnerable children,” the joint committees said in a statement.

They called for:

• Harmonised child protection laws across member states
• Stronger parliamentary oversight
• Enhanced collaboration between national legislatures

Sierra Leone model under spotlight

The choice of Sierra Leone as host was described as strategic, following its recent reforms, including the revised Child Rights Act (2025).

Lawmakers are expected to study the country’s approach as a potential model for strengthening child protection systems across West Africa.

Expected outcomes

At the end of the session, the ECOWAS Parliament is expected to adopt key recommendations aimed at closing policy gaps and improving the protection of vulnerable children across member states.

The meeting underscores growing urgency among regional leaders to translate policy commitments into real safeguards, as child exploitation continues to rise across West Africa.