The Senegalese government has taken a proactive step to safeguard children from abuse and exploitation in the tourism sector. On Saturday, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Tourism, and tourism stakeholders signed a charter to strengthen prevention measures. This move is in anticipation of the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, which is expected to draw a large number of tourists to Senegal. The charter aims to identify the responsibilities of each department and structure involved.
The director of Human Rights, Julien Ngane Ndour, emphasized that the charter is a preventive measure to protect children from abuse and exploitation. He highlighted that the tourism sector plays a vital role in Senegal's economy and that the initiative is not intended to stigmatize it. Instead, it seeks to mobilize all stakeholders to prevent situations that could compromise children's rights and safety. Ndour made these remarks during a hiking event in Saly, Mbour department, as part of a sensitization campaign on child protection.
The charter signing is part of a broader effort to ensure children's safety during the 2026 Youth Olympics. Ndour stressed that the government's approach is proactive, given the expected influx of tourists to Senegal for the games. Saly, where the hiking event took place, is one of the host cities for the Olympics. The government's initiative aims to create a safe environment for children, and Ndour encouraged all stakeholders to take responsibility for protecting them.
Ndéné Ndao, director of Tourism Regulation, called on tourism professionals to be vigilant during the Olympics and beyond. He urged them to report any suspicious situations in hotels, travel agencies, and other tourist spaces. Ndao emphasized that protecting children is a collective responsibility that involves institutions, tourism professionals, communities, and families. He encouraged all stakeholders to play an active role in preventing child abuse and exploitation.
Aminata Kébé, an expert in human rights and gender at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the importance of coordination between countries in the sub-region. She noted that the project aims to harmonize actions to protect children across Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia. Kébé's remarks followed two days of training and exchanges with local and regional actors, as well as civil society organizations.
The charter signed by the Senegalese government and tourism stakeholders outlines the roles and responsibilities of different services and actors involved in preventing and protecting children. This collective approach aims to create a safe environment for children ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympics. The government's initiative demonstrates its commitment to protecting children's rights and safety.
The signing of the charter marks a significant step towards protecting children from abuse and exploitation in Senegal's tourism sector. With the 2026 Youth Olympics approaching, the government's proactive measures aim to ensure a safe and secure environment for children. Key stakeholders have pledged to work together to prevent child abuse and exploitation, and the charter is expected to guide their efforts.
Key points
- The Senegalese government has signed a charter with tourism stakeholders to prevent child abuse and exploitation ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar.
- The charter aims to identify the responsibilities of each department and structure involved in protecting children from abuse and exploitation.
- The government's initiative is a preventive measure to safeguard children, given the expected influx of tourists to Senegal for the 2026 Youth Olympics.
