The Ivorian government has convened a three-day meeting in Yamoussoukro, bringing together regional directors and focal points for child protection. The gathering, which started on September 21, 2026, aims to strengthen coordination and effectiveness in interventions for child protection. Organized with the support of UNICEF, this fifth annual meeting provides a national platform for reflection, consultation, and experience sharing among actors engaged in child protection.
The meeting brings together regional directors from relevant ministries and regional focal points for child protection. Discussions focus on practices implemented on the ground, challenges encountered, and ways to enhance collaboration among actors. The goal is to optimize results in preventing and addressing violence, abuse, and exploitation against children. Participants seek to improve the quality and equity of care for victimized children.
On behalf of the Minister of Women, Family, and Children, Mme Koua Chimène commended the synergy between her ministry and the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training. She emphasized the shared commitment to providing Ivorian children with a safe and protective environment conducive to their development. However, she noted that despite government and partner efforts, children remain exposed to various forms of domestic, school, and community violence.
The "champions" of child protection were highlighted as a crucial part of the national system, particularly in applying standardized operational procedures for case management and articulating institutional structures with community mechanisms. Over the three-day meeting, participants will assess current practices, capitalize on community initiatives, and harmonize procedure use to ensure quality and equitable care for victimized children.
Mme Boni Isabelle, representing the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, stated that this meeting is part of a multi-year effort to strengthen actions, share experiences, and improve child protection. She encouraged participants to use this opportunity to consolidate gains, learn from previous experiences, and chart new perspectives. The representative emphasized the multisectoral nature of child protection, relying on complementary interventions from ministries, deconcentrated services, and partners.
The meeting's outcome is expected to include recommendations and concrete commitments to strengthen the network of child protection champions, consolidate collaboration among actors, and improve the child protection system. The Ivorian government, with UNICEF support, aims to address the persistent challenges faced by children, including domestic violence, school-related issues, and community-based exploitation.
The participants will define orientations for optimal and transparent management of support funds and evaluate current practices to ensure quality care for children. The meeting's conclusions will likely inform policy adjustments and guide future interventions in child protection, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for Ivorian children.
Key points
- The Ivorian government convenes a national meeting to strengthen coordination and effectiveness in child protection interventions.
- The meeting aims to optimize results in preventing and addressing violence, abuse, and exploitation against children.
- The participants will assess current practices and define orientations for optimal management of support funds.
