Violence against children: Nigeria, ECOWAS, adopt protective measures

Nigeria, as well as, other member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has adopted a Strategic Framework for prevention and responces to violence, abuse and exploitation against children in the sub region.

In a statement signed by Geoffrey Njoku, Communication Specialist, United Nations For Children Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria, said the decision, which will have positive implications for millions of children in West Africa, was taken at the ECOWAS First Ladies’ Forum in Niamey, from October 2 to 5, 2017.

Based on the new framework, Ministers responsible for the care and protection of children across the 15 Member States of ECOWAS agreed to take concrete measures to protect children from every form of violence, abuse and exploitation on a wide range of issues.

Led by the ECOWAS Commission, the Strategic Framework was developed in collaboration with a Regional Child Protection Working Group comprised of United Nations (UN) agencies and international non-governmental organisations and networks.