Victimizations of wandering minors in gastronomic spaces in Abidjan.

ABSTRACT: The measures of protection granted to children have always constituted an interest both for human rights and for the social and human sciences. The study focuses on the violence or victimization of wandering children in gastronomic spaces in Abidjan. It questions the violations of the rights of these children in situations of physical, psychological and social vulnerability. While describing the profile of these children, our study raises the problem of the recurrence of violations and violence despite international conventions and local protection mechanisms to which Côte d’Ivoire has freely consented. The objective of the study is to show that minors wandering in these spaces in Abidjan are exposed to daily violence. Violence between minors, violence by adults and the authorities. All things that undermine their rights. The study focuses on fifty minors aged 16 according to Ivorian legislation from the municipalities of Port-Bouët, Yopougon, Abobo, Adjamé and Treichville. The methodology of this work is based, among other things, on the direct observation of children in a wandering situation, direct interviews with them (the children), the municipal authorities (agents of the technical services of the town halls and the municipal police officers), the managers and sellers in these spaces and the governmental and non-governmental organizations for the protection of the rights of children. Qualitative data analysis is the preferred method for this research. In such an environment of exposure to violence, the lily of child victimization is assured. The results of the study are articulated around the logics which violate the regulations (international conventions and national legislation), the forms of victimization and the mixed reactions on the part of the authority which oscillate between laxity, indifference and firmness.

KEYWORDS: Victimization – minors – wandering situation – gastronomic spaces – Abidjan