Amplifying the voices of children in street situations to better understand their realities

On 4 June 2026, we organised a webinar dedicated to the realities faced by children in street situations in Central Africa, placing their stories and testimonies at the heart of the discussions. The event brought together international and regional experts, field partners and young people with lived experience of street situations. Speakers included Sabrina Gahar, Chair of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), and Mama Fatima Singhateh, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children. 

With 183 participants from 28 countries, the webinar provided a deeper understanding of the journeys and challenges faced by children in street situations, while highlighting possible actions to strengthen their protection. 

In his testimony, 16-year-old Amadou spoke out about the violence, stigma and marginalisation experienced by children in street situations. But beyond these hardships, he also highlighted their strength, resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity. Children in street situations must not be defined solely by their vulnerability; they are also agents of change, capable of contributing to the solutions that affect them. 

“Now, don’t just look at our suffering. Listen to us and put our solutions into action.” Amadou, youth advocate, Cameroon

During the webinar, the findings of a new socio-anthropological study conducted by Apprentis d’Auteuil in Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were presented. The study highlights a worrying situation: over the past 20 years, the number of children in street situations has tripled across these three countries, and girls now account for 20% of them. 

For these children, violence is part of everyday life. Nearly 80% of the young people interviewed as part of the study reported having experienced violence. 

These figures highlight gaps in child protection systems and underline the importance to better address the specific needs of children in street situations in order to develop appropriate policies. 

In the face of these realities, organisations on the ground play an essential role. Alongside our local partners, we work every day to protect children, support them and facilitate their sustainable reintegration.