The National Human Rights Council of Côte d’Ivoire has disclosed alarming statistics regarding school pregnancies in its annual human rights report. Between September 2022 and April 2023, a total of 3,588 pregnancies were documented in schools across the country.

The findings were presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday, sparking discussions about the factors contributing to the crisis. The report highlights issues such as inadequate sex education, socio-economic challenges, and insufficient enforcement of protective measures for young girls in educational settings.

The Council has called for urgent intervention, recommending enhanced awareness campaigns, improved access to reproductive health services, and stricter penalties for those exploiting minors. Lawmakers and stakeholders are also advocating for more robust support systems for affected students to ensure their continued education.