Children’s Day: UNICEF asks Nigeria to strengthen child rights protection

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has asked both the federal and state governments to strengthen child rights protection in Nigeria.

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF country director in Nigeria, made the call in a statement on Thursday to commemorate the 2021 Children’s Day celebrations.

Hawkins said the ongoing year has been challenging for children in Nigeria with the coronavirus pandemic still impacting on the economy, education and other critical sectors.

He said poverty, inequality, insecurity and violence have worsened and that women and children have become major victims.

“It has been a challenging year for us all with COVID-19 pandemic, not least of all – Nigeria’s children. As we rightfully celebrate Nigerian children today, let us also remember that the COVID-19 crisis has been a child rights crisis – in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.

“Poverty is rising, inequality is growing, and the pandemic has often disrupted the essential services that secure the health, education, and protection of children and young people.

“The longer the pandemic goes on, the more intense the impact on women and children.

“On this Nigerian Children’s Day, let us all agree that we cannot let one crisis compound another.”

The UNICEF country director said one in four Nigerian children is a victim of violence while one in three Nigerian girls is sexually abused.

To improve the situation, Hawkins said the government must commit to reinforcing protection mechanisms for children.

“The pandemic is threatening decades of progress we have made for children,” he said.

“Violence is perpetrated against one in four Nigerian children – and one in three Nigerian girls are sexually abused. This has only increased during the pandemic

“Today of all days, we must commit to reinforce the protection mechanisms for all children.”

Hawkins said the Nigerian government should continue to prioritise education and learning in both formal and informal settings.

He added that innovative solutions should also be applied to improve health conditions of children in the country.

“But we have learned from this pandemic too. One thing we have learned is that education takes place not only in schools – children can and should learn both in and out of school,” he said.

“A learning continuum is critical so that all children continue to get an education irrespective of their situation, location, or the pandemic.

“We know that protecting children and investing in women and families is not only the right thing to do – it has proven to be a sound economic choice and a cost-effective tool for national development.

“As we celebrate our children today, we must act in their best interests and deploy innovative solutions to fast-track learning and health services to build back better, for every Nigerian child.”