A major legal study examining the national regulatory framework for child rights in business operations has been validated in Ivory Coast, marking a key step towards strengthening oversight of the private sector.
The validation took place during the second official meeting of the CRB working group, held from 15 to 17 September 2025 in Yamoussoukro.
The initiative falls under General Comment No.16 (OG16) and is led by the Ministry of Women, Family and Children (MFFE), in collaboration with UNICEF, Save the Children, Charité Vie, the NGO Forum, AEJT, and FEREADD.
The study, prepared by an independent consultant, assesses the alignment of Ivorian law with international standards governing child rights in business operations. Representatives from technical ministries, civil society organisations, NGOs, and the private sector reviewed the document and discussed recommendations to improve compliance and enforcement.
Diaby Diarra Mariam, Director of Child Protection, confirmed that feedback from the workshop will be integrated into the final version of the study. An operational action plan, based on priority recommendations, will soon be developed by the CRB working group’s scientific committee.
Representing Minister Nassénéba Touré, technical advisor Sika N’Guessan Victoire praised the quality of the discussions and the active engagement of participants.
This initiative follows recommendations made during Ivory Coast’s 2019 periodic review by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which urged the government to strengthen regulation of private sector activities—particularly in agriculture, mining, domestic work, and the informal sector—to ensure the protection of children.
Two studies have been conducted in this context: one evaluating the implementation of OG16 recommendations, and the second, validated at Yamoussoukro, analysing national legislation against international norms, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and child-specific protections.
Established in June 2025, the CRB working group fills a gap in structured national monitoring of child rights in business. It operates alongside the Interministerial Committee for Child Protection (CIMPE) and is supported by a scientific committee and a planned calendar of activities for 2025–2026.
The validation of this study represents a significant step in reinforcing Ivory Coast’s commitment to safeguarding children while ensuring responsible practices in the private sector.
About The Author
