‘It should be taught in schools’ — rep asks FG to implement child rights act

To commemorate the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, deputy chief whip, house of representatives, has asked the federal government to implement the child rights act.

November 19 is the day to commemorate World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

In a statement on Saturday, the lawmaker, who represents the Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia, said children’s rights should be taught in schools so that they know about it.

Onyejeocha said children’s rights are not privileges.

“I appeal that the government should not only design a multi-sectoral and national development agenda and plan for children but also fully implement the country’s Child Right Act (2003),” she said.

“It should prioritise implementation and domestication of the Child Rights Act 2003 (CRA) in Nigeria to protect children against every form of abuse.

“I will suggest, therefore, that this becomes a topic in school. One thing is for a child to enjoy his or her rights, but another thing is for that child to know where the rights begin and end. So you cannot enjoy what you don’t know.

“This is for the best interests of our children. We must show them love, compassion and respect their dignity. It’s a duty for all. Their rights are not privileges as some will rather say; their rights are their rights and should be seen as such.”

Citing article 3 of the Child’s Rights Convention, the lawmaker said: “in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration”.