The Senegalese government has taken a proactive step to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation by signing a charter with the tourism sector. The charter aims to prevent abuse and exploitation of children in the tourism industry, particularly with the influx of tourists expected for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar. The event will be hosted in several cities, including Saly, in the Mbour department.
The charter was signed by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Tourism, and tourism sector stakeholders on Saturday. The initiative is part of a preventive measure to identify the responsibilities of each department, structure, and ministry. According to Julien Ngane Ndour, Director of Human Rights, the charter aims to engage and mobilize professionals and institutions to prevent child abuse.
The charter does not aim to stigmatize the tourism sector but rather to encourage collective responsibility in protecting children. Ndour emphasized that the initiative seeks to raise awareness and prevent child abuse, rather than accusing the tourism sector of wrongdoing. The charter is a collaborative effort to ensure the protection of children.
The tourism sector has been urged to report any suspicious situations in hotels, travel agencies, and other tourist areas. Ndéné Ndao, Director of Tourism Regulation, emphasized that it is the duty of all operators to report and be vigilant. The protection of children is a collective responsibility that involves institutions, tourism professionals, communities, and families.
The charter is part of a broader project to protect children from human rights violations. Aminata Kébé, an expert in human rights and gender, highlighted that the project aims to coordinate efforts between Senegal and neighboring countries, including Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia. The project seeks to harmonize child protection actions across the region.
A two-day training and exchange program was held with local and regional actors, as well as civil society organizations, to raise awareness about child protection. The training was followed by a hike in Saly as part of a sensitization campaign on child protection. The campaign aims to engage stakeholders in the protection of children.
The charter clarifies the responsibilities of different actors in preventing, sensitizing, and protecting children ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympics. The initiative demonstrates Senegal's commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation. The government and tourism sector have pledged to work together to ensure a safe and secure environment for children.
Key points
- The Senegalese government and tourism sector have signed a charter to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar.
- The charter aims to clarify the responsibilities of different actors in preventing, sensitizing, and protecting children.
- The initiative is part of a broader project to protect children from human rights violations in Senegal and neighboring countries.
