Discussions on how to improve the protection of the weak in society have started in Accra among stakeholders in human security and social protection.
The three-day program, which started yesterday, also aims to increase participants' knowledge of human security, taking into account the serious threats faced by weak and oppressed groups throughout the ECOWAS area.
Participants will also talk about setting up the ECOWAS Protection and Human Security Integrated Coordination Mechanism (ECO-PHSICM) in the nation. The topic is "ECOWAS in-country high-level advocacy, coordination, and capacity-building conference of multi-stakeholders."
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic's heightened rate of violence, notably violence against women and children, will be highlighted under the method.
The ECOWAS Commission, the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative, and the ECOWAS National Office in Accra are all working together to organize the workshop.
Significance
Baba Gana Wakil, the ECOWAS Commission's resident representative in Ghana, said the conference was opportune since the economies of member nations had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
He stated that the rising prevalence of violence against women, children, and vulnerable groups will be the main topic of debate.
"Children in our area continue to experience a high frequency of violence, including physical and sexual abuse, high rates of child marriage, and corporal punishment.
"The child protection system and services provided by all of our member nations are regrettably still greatly hampered by social norms and attitudes, especially a culture of silence," he continued.
Thus, he demanded from the governments of member states improved social protection and access to fundamental services.
He said that the COVID-19 epidemic had also resulted in a downturn in the pay and employment of migrant and semi-skilled workers, which had significantly decreased remittances and decreased household spending power.
In order to specifically address concerns about the safety of women and children, Mr. Wakil further urged nations to create robust and enforceable legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks that were adequately resourced and staffed.
He also urged both state and non-state actors to use the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative's presence in the county to help them develop and carry out their programs.
comprehensive strategy
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, called for a comprehensive strategy to combat the growing incidents of child abuse and human trafficking in a speech that was read on her behalf.
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