ECOWAS Parliament Holds Key Meeting in Freetown to Protect Street Children Across West Africa

By Ifeyinwa Ike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has kicked off a five-day Joint Committee Meeting today in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to tackle child exploitation and safeguard children living on the streets.

Running until April 12, the gathering unites Committees on Social Affairs, Gender, Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Trade, and Political Security under the theme: “Parliamentary Approaches to Safeguarding Children in Street Situations and Addressing Child Exploitation in the ECOWAS Region.”

Economic woes, urbanisation, displacement, and crises are driving more West African children onto streets, where they face abuse, hazardous work, drugs, and service gaps.
Despite policies like the ECOWAS Child Policy (2019–2030) and Gender Strategy, weak enforcement and border issues create vulnerabilities.

Sierra Leone hosts due to its progressive Child Rights Act (2025), offering lessons in coordination, welfare, data, and community protections.

Delegates will hear briefings from the ECOWAS Commission, study Sierra Leone’s strategies, join a public hearing with NGOs and experts, and visit sites like Cotton Tree and Don Bosco facility following strict child protection rules.

The meeting aims to producer
recommendations on stronger laws, better rehab and data systems, oversight, and regional harmony. Outcomes head to Parliament’s next session for approval.
Participants include MPs, ECOWAS officials, Sierra Leone ministers, partners, civil society, and experts.