THEME: EXPANDING OPERATIONALISATION OF THE AU ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK TO STRENGTHEN LEGAL AND COMMUNITY JUSTICE SYSTEMS TO PROTECT GIRLS AGAINST CROSS-BORDER TRAFFICKING, VIOLATIONS AND EXPLOITATION

VENUE: AFRICAN UNION PERMANENT OBSERVER MISSION CONFERENCE CENTER
NEW YORK, 17th MARCH, 2026

EXCELLENCIES,
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

I leave this gathering with a profound sense of purpose and renewed commitment.

Our discussions have moved us beyond diagnosis to practical solutions - mechanisms, partnerships and coordinated actions - needed to bridge the gap between Africa’s robust policy frameworks and the lived realities of our girls facing multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities.

The experiences shared, the assumptions challenged and the collective understanding forged here today reaffirm a central truth: the fight against cross-border trafficking cannot be won in silos.

Our deliberations on legal harmonisation, community justice systems and survivor-centred approaches have not only been insightful, but they have also been transformative. They have illuminated a clear path forward and demonstrated that when our collective will is aligned and effectively mobilised, we can disrupt the criminal networks that exploit our children.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The path forward is clearer and the time for resolute action is now.

Allow me, therefore, to make a humble but urgent appeal: let the energy of this room not end here; let it translate into tangible outcomes for the girls who await justice on the other side of a border.

• To our Member States, I encourage you to act with urgency in submitting timely reports under the AU Accountability Framework, enabling us to track progress and close implementation gaps. We are encouraged by the progress made in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia, and we look forward to welcoming more countries to this growing community of practice, because collective progress will light the path for the entire continent.

• To our development partners and United Nations agencies, we count on your continued support in building justice systems that are responsive to the needs of adolescent girls. This includes sustained investment in data and evidence systems, so that no girl remains invisible and no violation goes unrecorded.

• From the African Union Commission, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to translate the outcomes of this event into action, by refining our monitoring tools, deepening collaboration with Regional Economic Communities and advancing the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG) as a living instrument of protection across every corridor of our continent.

A Vote of Thanks
None of the progress we have witnessed here today would be possible without the spirit of partnership and shared purpose that has defined this gathering.

Allow me to express our sincere appreciation:
• To our Member States, for your leadership and political will, which remain the foundation of our accountability agenda;
• To our partners, particularly the World Bank through the EAGER Project, for your invaluable financial and technical support;
• To our distinguished panellists and speakers, whose insights have enriched our dialogue and sharpened our collective vision;
• To civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and survivor-led advocacy groups—you are the voice of the voiceless and the custodians of the community justice systems we seek to strengthen;
• To the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United States—Medaase for your generous hospitality;
• And to my dedicated team at the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, for your tireless efforts in delivering this important convening.

As we depart, I wish you all safe travels.
I look forward to reconvening with you next year, not only in good health, but with tangible progress to celebrate and a stronger, more protective environment for every African girl.

May our collective efforts continue to safeguard dignity, restore justice and secure the future of our continent.

I thank you.
Shukran. Asante. Merci.