Representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United States government, the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour (led by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment), Workers and Employers associations, and the International Labor Organization (ILO) came together to validate the Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (CMEP) for the ILO Action against Child Labour in West Africa (ACLAWA) project.
Vanessa Phala, the Director of the ILO, emphasized the pivotal role of the Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (CMEP) as the foundation for implementing the ACLAWA project in the ECOWAS region. The endorsed CMEP is regarded as a crucial tool to ensure the effective execution of the project in accordance with accepted standards.
Agatha Kolawole, the ACLAWA Project Director, elaborated on the broader objectives of the initiative, stating, “Beyond combating child labor, ACLAWA aims to champion other ILO Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This encompasses the promotion of occupational safety and health, Collective Bargaining, and the elimination of forced labor and non-discrimination.”
The validation of the Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders to address and eradicate child labor in West Africa. With a focus on establishing and upholding fundamental labor rights, the ACLAWA project is poised to make a lasting impact in fostering a region where children are protected from exploitation and where broader labor principles are promoted. The commitment demonstrated by the involved entities underscores the shared dedication to creating a more equitable and secure working environment for all in the West African region.
