As the global community marks the 2022 Day of African Child, tagged ‘Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children Progress Policy and Practices in 2013,’ the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for an end to all forms of harmful practices that affect the progress and development of Nigerian children.
This was contained in a press statement signed and made available to Journalists by Helen Udofa, National Secretary, adding that NAWOJ in particular is worried that in different parts of the country several harmful practices are still being meted on children, in this 21st Century.
The statement equally pointed out that these practices, which are linked mostly to economic, social and cultural norms, have continued to impede the full development of children, it therefore, called on on government, agencies and organisations to reflect on the progress made towards the implementation of children’s right in the country.
“NAWOJ is concerned that in spite of the Child Rights Act in place, cases of child marriages, female genital mutilation, child labour, physical abuse, trafficking, forced labour, rape and other forms of sexual abuses, stigmatisation and scarification are still pervasive in different parts of the country. More worrisome is the increasing number of rape cases and other forms of violence against children, even in states where there is the full implementation of the Child’s Rights Law, as children, including minors are constantly abused.
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“With the 2022 theme of the celebration as “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy & Practice since 2013”, Udofa said.
NAWOJ further called on the three tiers of governments, agencies and organisations to reflect on the progress made towards the implementation of child’s rights, as well as the barriers they continue to face, with a view to ensuring full implementation of the rights of the child.
“Today, we call on governments at all levels to take stock of what has been done with regards to the adoption of policies and practices as well as reflect on what more needs to be done to effectively eliminate harmful practices affecting children in Nigeria.
“Also, those issues our children are facing in their daily lives as a result of harmful practices should be at the front burner, while also assessing the progress made towards the protection and assistance of children who are at risk and victims of harmful practices in the country,” the group further said.
It further stated that there was the need to also reflect on what needs to be done to effectively eliminate harmful practices that affect children in Nigeria, urging parents, guardians, stakeholders and government to work in tandem and bring a lasting solution to these obnoxious practices, gear up their efforts and ensure that Nigerian children are well protected.
The statement equally insisted that stiffer penalties should be given to perpetrators of these harmful practices, adding that all family courts at all level should deal with the matters relating these negative practices in the same vein.
“We enjoin parents, guardians, other stakeholders and government to work together with the view of bringing an end to these obnoxious practices, by intensifying efforts in ensuring that the rights of children are protected.
“Finally, NAWOJ calls for stiffer penalties on perpetrators of these harmful practices, who are liable under the Child’s Rights Law in Nigeria as a deliberate effort towards saving our children and make the society fit for them. More so, all states should as a matter of national interest, establish family courts at the high and magistrate courts levels to deal with matters relating to children on pro bono basis.
In the same vein, Special protection and justice should be provided for children who are exposed to various forms of harmful practices in the country,” it said.
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