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An initiative has been launched aimed at curbing global child exploitation by empowering children to make their voices count. The ListenUp! Global strategy seeks to address the systemic causes of child exploitation by empowering children, their communities and working closely with decision-makers to create scalable, evidence-based solutions by 2030.

There is an estimated 160 million children being exploited for labour and over 300 million falling victim to online sexual exploitation and abuse every year.

“In sub-Saharan Africa alone, children between the ages of 5 and 17 years are involved in child labour instead of playing and going to school. They fight poverty for their families and are robbed of their childhood and their future,” according to a statement from Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL).
United front

The ListenUp! Global strategy aims to tackle these alarming statistics head-on by focusing on three core thematic areas which are Humanitarian Action, Sexual Exploitation and Child Labour.

“We need to make children feel safe and ensure their voices are not only heard but acted upon by those responsible for their protection.” said Raphael Kariuki, the Africa Regional Director of Terre des Hommes Netherlands during the launch.

Participants at the launch engaged in discussions on the root causes of child exploitation, with an emphasis on how individuals and organisations can act as catalysts for change within their communities.

By creating a united front, TdH NL aims to foster sustainable programs that will prevent exploitation and allow children to flourish in a world free of abuse.

The ListenUp! strategy represents a bold step forward in the fight against child exploitation, with a long-term vision to create a world where every child is safe and able to pursue their full potential.