Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for renewed commitment from all facets of the society to protect and guarantee the fundamental rights of our children. This is contained in a message on the 2024 Children’s Day celebration.
Ojukwu expressed concern over the alarming and continuous rise in cases of violations of the rights of children across the country.
”It is a disturbing trend which is captured in the commission’s monthly dashboard (on report of human right violations across the country.
” Children represent the most vulnerable population and the consistent increase in reported violations of their right is a stark reminder of the challenges they face daily.
“These violations not only threaten their immediate well-being but also compromise their future potentials and the overall health and security of our society. It is therefore imperative that we act decisively and with urgency to address this menace” he said
He said though the Child Rights Act has been passed by several states in Nigeria, there is a need for the various state governments to strengthen its implementation in order to protect children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
” I use this opportunity of the children’s day to call on the government to develop a comprehensive support system for children in distress, create accessible and well-resourced child protection services, helplines, and shelters, that will alleviate the suffering of the victims.
” It is imperative to train professionals in children centered education, social welfare, healthcare, and law enforcement to enable them identify and respond to child right violations and other social problems effectively.
” Education is key to raise awareness about children’s rights among parents, caregivers, educators, and children themselves, this will empower children to understand and assert their rights” he said.
According to Ojukwu there is the need to establish a robust mechanism for monitoring, reporting, and addressing violations of children’s rights.
He added that this, will ensure that there is accountability at all levels, and that perpetrators of violations are brought to justice
” The protection of children’s rights is not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative which will secure the future of the country.
“As we celebrate Children’s Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for every child” he stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission since the inauguration of its dashboard in February has lamented the increase in violence against children ‘s rights every month.
The violation which they attributed to several factors needed to be addressed on time according to the Commission.
Children’s day, is celebrated in Nigeria on May 27 annually, Universal Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 but varies with each country.
it is a day to celebrate the children everywhere, to honour them and show them sense of purpose and belonging. (NAN)
