The ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs held an online consultation with Member States Directors responsible for child protection from June 5-7, 2024. The meeting focused on the implementation of the ECOWAS Strategic Framework on Child Protection Systems Strengthening. The objectives included assessing the framework's implementation by Member States, identifying emerging child protection trends in the region, and integrating responses into policies and plans. Additionally, the meeting aimed to build capacities in child protection systems strengthening strategies.
Dr. Sintiki T. Ugbe, represented by Mr. Olatunde Olayemi, extended warm greetings from the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs and Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. He emphasized that child protection has been a priority for ECOWAS since 2009 with the adoption of its first policy on children, which was later revised into a Strategic Plan (2019-2030). He highlighted progress made in establishing the ECOWAS Child Rights Information System (ECRIMS) as a monitoring mechanism.
Madam Adelise Baha from S.O.S Children’s Village, representing the Regional Working Group on Child Protection (GRPE), thanked the ECOWAS Commission for initiating and inviting GRPE to participate in the meeting.
Mr. Ali Madugu from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Women Affairs acknowledged ECOWAS's efforts towards child welfare and urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration for better outcomes.
Presentations at the meeting covered various topics including human security focus areas within ECOWAS; strategies for preventing and responding to violence, abuse, and exploitation of children; guidelines for implementing these strategies; ECRIMS; and a draft 2023 Report on Child Protection in West Africa.
Member States presented reports focusing on five priorities: violence against children, child marriage, child labor, birth registration, and children on the move. Good practices were shared and challenges identified. The draft 2023 Report on Child Protection was presented by ECOWAS with key next steps agreed upon.
In closing remarks, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe thanked participants for their commitment and assured them that their contributions would be reflected in future strategic plans and programs. Mr. Ali Madugu also expressed gratitude towards ECOWAS Commission for its support in ensuring child welfare.
National Directors responsible for child protection from Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sénégal, Sierra Leone and Togo attended along with members of organizations such as SOS Children’s Village International, International Social Service (ISS), MAEJT (Mouvement Africain des Enfants et Jeunes Travailleurs), Terre des Hommes as well as United Nations agencies like UNHCR.
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