From promises to action: Tackling child exploitation in Africa

Children’s rights must not only exist on paper. They must make a difference in children’s lives. This was a central message during several international meetings in Lesotho, where Terre des Hommes Netherlands joined policymakers, researchers and civil society organisations to advocate for stronger child protection across Africa.

In October 2026, we participated in the Civil Society Forum and the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) in Maseru, Lesotho.

The meetings highlighted a persistent challenge: although important legal frameworks to protect children exist, their implementation often falls short. Turning these commitments into meaningful action requires stronger accountability, investment and collaboration.

Calling for stronger action against child exploitation

During the ACERWC session, we called for urgent, coordinated action to address two critical child protection issues: child labour in mining and mineral supply chains, including mica mining in Madagascar, and the sexual exploitation of children along East African transport corridors.

We urged African Union Member States to strengthen human rights due diligence, integrate child protection into trade and transport policies, and ensure that children and survivors are meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their lives.

Children’s safety in digital environments was another important topic. During a dedicated discussion, participants addressed emerging threats such as AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sexual extortion and online grooming.

Recognising the growing urgency of these challenges, the Committee authorised a study on children’s rights in the digital space.

Putting children’s voices at the centre

At the Civil Society Forum, meaningful child participation was a recurring theme. Children called for genuine involvement in decisions affecting their lives, rather than simply being consulted.

We reinforced this message, emphasising that children’s experiences and perspectives must shape child protection policies and programmes.

We also presented findings from our Mental Health and Exploitation New Directions (MEND) research, sparking discussions about mental health in relation to online child sexual exploitation. Participants explored how research findings could influence government policies, strengthen services and help mobilise funding for child protection.

Turning research into meaningful change

Alongside the ACERWC session, Terre des Hommes Netherlands and the African Institute for Children Studies (AICS) jointly hosted a side event titled Advancing Evidence-Informed Investment in the Prevention of Child Exploitation and Abuse in Africa.

The event brought together researchers, policymakers and child protection experts to discuss how evidence can better inform policies, funding and services for children.

A key message emerged: valuable research already exists, but its findings do not always reach the decision-makers responsible for protecting children.

Speakers emphasised the importance of investing in African-led research, strengthening child protection data systems and building closer connections between researchers and policymakers. Meaningful child participation in research and decision-making was also highlighted.

Protecting children in Africa

Across all three meetings, one message stood out: protecting children’s rights requires more than legislation and promises. It requires effective implementation, sufficient resources and accountability.

The discussions in Lesotho reinforced the importance of turning evidence and commitments into meaningful action. Through research, advocacy and collaboration with partners, we continue working to ensure that children are not only heard, but effectively protected from exploitation.