By George Ozalla
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN, has called for collective action to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in Nigeria. Speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of child abuse and exploitation, including poverty, insecurity, and lack of access to education.
Dr. Ojukwu said, “Working together, we will create a society where children are valued, respected, and protected from all forms of violence and abuse.” He expressed deep concern over the plight of children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, who are often forced to beg for survival, exposing them to further exploitation and abuse.
The NHRC boss highlighted the psychological impact of these experiences on children, which affect their development and future prospects. He noted that millions of Nigerian children face emotional, physical, sexual, and mental abuse, with many being displaced due to conflicts and made vulnerable to exploitation.
Dr. Ojukwu cited the North East region’s struggle with the Boko Haram insurgency and the sit-at-home policy in the South East, which has robbed many innocent children of their right to adequate education. Despite these challenges, he acknowledged that Nigeria has made notable strides in protecting children’s rights, citing the School Feeding Programme, Safe School Initiative, and the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS).
The NHRC boss urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of legislation on the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools. He emphasized that this policy would provide a framework for ensuring that schools are safe and secure environments where children can learn and thrive without fear of violence or abuse.
In a statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Dr. Ojukwu called on the government to strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Act and other relevant laws to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. This includes providing adequate support to IDP camps, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, and addressing the root causes of poverty and insecurity that lead to child exploitation.
Dr. Ojukwu specifically highlighted the plight of Almajiri children, whose right to education and protection from abuse and exploitation have been put in jeopardy. He called for a concerted effort to address this problem and ensure that all children in Nigeria are protected and empowered to reach their full potential.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN, has called for collective action to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in Nigeria. Speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of child abuse and exploitation, including poverty, insecurity, and lack of access to education.
Dr. Ojukwu said, “Working together, we will create a society where children are valued, respected, and protected from all forms of violence and abuse.” He expressed deep concern over the plight of children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, who are often forced to beg for survival, exposing them to further exploitation and abuse.
The NHRC boss highlighted the psychological impact of these experiences on children, which affect their development and future prospects. He noted that millions of Nigerian children face emotional, physical, sexual, and mental abuse, with many being displaced due to conflicts and made vulnerable to exploitation.
Dr. Ojukwu cited the North East region’s struggle with the Boko Haram insurgency and the sit-at-home policy in the South East, which has robbed many innocent children of their right to adequate education. Despite these challenges, he acknowledged that Nigeria has made notable strides in protecting children’s rights, citing the School Feeding Programme, Safe School Initiative, and the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS).
The NHRC boss urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of legislation on the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools. He emphasized that this policy would provide a framework for ensuring that schools are safe and secure environments where children can learn and thrive without fear of violence or abuse.
In a statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Dr. Ojukwu called on the government to strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Act and other relevant laws to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. This includes providing adequate support to IDP camps, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, and addressing the root causes of poverty and insecurity that lead to child exploitation.
Dr. Ojukwu specifically highlighted the plight of Almajiri children, whose right to education and protection from abuse and exploitation have been put in jeopardy. He called for a concerted effort to address this problem and ensure that all children in Nigeria are protected and empowered to reach their full potential.
