Africa is still fertile ground for child exploitation. Armed conflict, climate change, cultural practices and migration flows only accelerate the vulnerability of children on this continent. Mr Raphael Kariuki, Terre des Hommes Netherlands Regional Director for Africa, gives us an update on the situation.
Journalist (J): The statistics on this subject seem alarming. What do you think?
Raphael Kariuki (RK): In the chaos and displacement that follows a global crisis, children often lose the protection of their families and communities. They are then exposed to human trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced labor and recruitment by armed groups. Events such as military conflicts and major climatic and socio-natural disasters trigger humanitarian crises in different parts of the world. Children’s vulnerability to exploitation is therefore greatly increased. According to ReliefWeb’s Humanitarian Action for Children 2024 report, nearly 49 million children in Africa are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. In West and Central Africa, 48.4 million children are in need of urgent assistance due to ongoing conflict, widespread population displacement and recurring health crises. These statistics reveal a disturbing truth: millions of children across the continent are growing up in conflict zones or fleeing. Their vulnerability should motivate us to protect and support these children and ensure a bright future for them. When protective structures – such as families, communities and government services – collapse, children are left unprotected. Economic hardship pushes families into desperate situations, leading to exploitative practices.
J: What about the impact of international crises on children in Africa?
RK: The trauma of living in crisis also increases the risk of abuse, as children and their families struggle to cope. Crisis reverses progress made in combating negative socio-cultural norms and practices that spread exploitation and abuse of children. The use of children in humanitarian contexts is deeply connected to a complex set of global challenges. These challenges include poverty, conflict, vulnerability, climate-related crises, forced displacement, social and gender norms, and the dynamics inherent in humanitarian responses. The world recently celebrated World Humanitarian Day. But every day children are at risk one day too many. That’s why we want to draw attention to the struggles of children caught in the crossfire
J: What actions can be taken to meet the difficult challenge of providing a bright future for African children?
RK: As thought leaders in government and the non-government sphere, African governments and organizations like ours must address the challenge before us and provide the necessary interventions. Let us not hesitate to take small individual steps to ensure the safety of these children. Over the past two years, Terre des Hommes Netherlands has supported children, their families and local communities during the crisis in Ethiopia, including conflict and drought. This support has taken the form of support with individual protection, the creation of child-friendly spaces, access to alternative education, as well as psychosocial and mental health services. Terre des Hommes Netherlands has also supported children and their families in difficult situations by providing them with multi-use funds, as well as creating and facilitating access to women-friendly resources . The organization also strengthens local child protection systems by building the capacity of government offices and child protection committees and raising awareness in communities. It is important to remember that all solutions sought and implemented to protect children must be community led. If this is not the case, it is a pleasure to find ourselves again in the cycle of caring for millions of children who live in the shadow of crisis.
J: What about your organization’s commitment to this fight against child exploitation?
RK: At Terres des Hommes Netherlands, our theory of change focuses on collaboration and partnerships, as well as child-centered, trauma-informed, gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches. We can’t do it alone. A collective impact can only be achieved if we use and complement the work of other organizations to keep our children safe. We believe that we are more effective together in ending child exploitation. Let’s commit to achieving a world where every child can grow up safe, free from addiction, and with the opportunity to pursue and realize their dreams. Calling for Community and Collaborative Solutions in the context of Humanitarian Crisis remains a priority to address the situation.
