NHRC Urges Collective Action to Protect Child Rights in Kuje
By Sarah Kitka
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on students, teachers, parents and community leaders to work together to promote and protect the rights of children through sustained sensitization and collective action.
The appeal was made during a community interface and awareness programme organized by the Commission at Government Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja, where participants were sensitized on child protection and welfare issues.
Speaking during the event, the Principal of Government Secondary School Kuje, Mr. Asemoga Relly, commended the NHRC for engaging directly with students and members of the community on issues affecting children’s rights and wellbeing.
Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, Director of the Women and Children Department, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the protection of women and children. She noted that the department handling women and children matters was specifically created to address challenges confronting vulnerable groups in society.
She stressed that children are legally protected under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act 2003, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
According to her, every child is entitled to fundamental rights, including the rights to survival, education, protection and participation in matters affecting them.
However, she expressed concern over the continued violation of children’s rights through child labour, neglect, violence, exploitation, early marriage and female genital mutilation.
“Today is not just an event; it is a promise to the children of Kuje that their lives and future matter,” the Commission’s representative stated.
Okorie, speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, also emphasized the need to listen to children and involve them in decisions relating to their welfare. She added that parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders all have vital roles to play in safeguarding children.
She noted that although the Commission is mandated to monitor, protect, promote and enforce human rights in Nigeria, meaningful progress can only be achieved through strong collaboration with communities and relevant stakeholders.
Participants at the programme were encouraged to continue spreading awareness on child rights in their homes, schools and places of worship, while children were urged to report any form of abuse or rights violation.
The representative further conveyed the goodwill message of the Executive Secretary to the people of Kuje and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting the rights and future of Nigerian children.
