Date: 24th April 2025
Venue: Pastoral Centre, Mile 50, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
Organized by: African Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) Nigeria, in collaboration with Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice and NAPTIP

1. Introduction

The African Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), successfully organized a High-Level Policy Briefing on Ending Child Early and Forced Marriage and Domestic Servitude in Ebonyi State on 24th April 2025. The briefing brought together key policymakers, institutional stakeholders, community leaders, religious leaders, and civil society representatives to critically review the state’s progress, present new strategic tools, and strengthen collaborative efforts toward eradicating child exploitation.

2. Objectives of the Policy Briefing

The policy briefing was convened to:

• Review and strengthen existing policies and legal frameworks addressing child early and forced marriage and domestic servitude.
• Present and discuss the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Community Monitoring System (CMS) as strategic tools for the prevention of child exploitation.
• Mobilize multi-sectoral collaboration among government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and relevant stakeholders to drive community-led solutions.
• Develop and adopt key recommendations to enhance legal enforcement, advocacy, and policy reforms in Ebonyi State.

3. Participation

The event recorded broad representation and rich participation, including:

• Executive Director, AFJN Washington D.C.
• AFJN United Nations Delegate
• AFJN Teams from various Nigerian states
• Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State on Community Engagement
• Representatives of NAPTIP Ebonyi State
• Officials from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, and other government parastatals
• Religious and traditional and Community leaders
• Youth advocates and survivors of domestic servitude
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Media

4. Highlights of Presentations and Discussions

AFJN Background and Situation Analysis Report
The AFJN team presented a background overview, highlighting its mission to promote justice

and human dignity globally. The Situation Analysis Report on Ebonyi State exposed the alarming rates of child marriage and domestic servitude, underscoring deep-rooted poverty, harmful cultural practices, and systemic gender inequalities as drivers.

What We Have Done and Achievements
 

The team showcased AFJN’s interventions across the state, including community dialogues, town hall meetings, advocacy campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and the implementation of monitoring mechanisms. Testimonials from survivors and community leaders emphasized the tangible impact of these initiatives.

Findings from Community Engagements
Key findings from multiple town hall meetings and community dialogues revealed that while awareness is growing, women’s role in perpetuating harmful practices remains significant. It further highlighted the urgent need for stronger community-based monitoring and swift legal interventions.

Survivor Testimony — Amaka’s Story
 

A survivor of domestic servitude, Amaka, shared her heartbreaking journey from betrayal and abuse to recovery and empowerment. Her emotional account reinforced the urgency of action and called for stronger protective systems for vulnerable children.

Introduction of the Community Monitoring System (CMS)
AFJN introduced the CMS Framework as a localized, proactive tool to detect, prevent, and respond to cases of child exploitation at the community level, alongside the use of the MoU to hold guardians accountable.

Legal Framework and Enforcement Overview
 

Experts from NAPTIP provided an overview of Nigerian child protection laws, including the Child Rights Act, the VAPP Act, and relevant anti-trafficking statutes. NAPTIP’s role in combating child exploitation was highlighted, alongside the legal consequences for offenders.

5. Action Plan and Resolutions

The participants adopted a concrete action plan, which includes:

Ø Strengthening the implementation of the Child Rights Act and VAPP Law across all LGAs.

Ø Full rollout and adoption of the CMS and MoU at the community level.

Ø Enhanced collaboration between NAPTIP, Ministry of Justice, and local communities.

Ø Increased investment in public education campaigns targeting cultural and religious biases.

Ø Institutionalizing survivor support programs in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other agencies.

Ø Holding periodic community review meetings to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

6. Key Outcomes

• Widespread endorsement of the MoU and CMS across participating institutions.
• Commitment by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Engagement to champion multi-stakeholder engagement in LGAs.
• Greater synergy between CSOs, traditional institutions, and government agencies to address child exploitation.

7. Conclusion

The Policy Briefing marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to end child early and forced marriage and domestic servitude in Ebonyi State. AFJN, together with its partners, reaffirmed its commitment to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to create a safer, more just society where every child can live free from exploitation and fear.

The voices heard, the promises made, and the action plans adopted signal a renewed hope for children across Ebonyi State — and a bold step towards a future where every child’s rights are respected and protected.

Key Quotes from the High-Level Policy Briefing

Ending Child Early and Forced Marriage and Domestic Servitude in Ebonyi State

Amaka, Survivor of Domestic Servitude:
"I was silenced by servitude for years, but today, I have found my voice. No child should ever be invisible. Together, we can break these chains and give every child the future they deserve."

Mr. Peter Ewah, Coordinator Youth Advocate:
"We must move beyond compassion to commitment — real, actionable change that protects our children and restores their dignity. Advocacy is not an option; it is a responsibility."

Hon Paulinus Nwanchor, Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Engagement:
"When a community rises to protect its children, it builds a future where justice, not exploitation, becomes the legacy. Today’s gathering is a testament that Ebonyi is rising."
*"Our administration is determined to ensure that no child is left vulnerable.

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