Child Protection Bill: UNICEF hails signing by Sokoto state
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, hails the signing of the Child Protection Bill into law by the Sokoto State government saying it is “a major step forward for children’s rights in Nigeria.”
The bill was signed 22 November 2021 and reports confirm that the signing is taking place 18 years after the Federal government enacted the Child Rights Act 2003. UNICEF urged state governments to domesticate the Act into State law as reports reveal that only 28 states, including Sokoto, have domesticated the Act into law, with nine remaining.
The States that are yet to domesticate the Act are Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kano and Zamfara States.
Reacting to the development, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins said: “We congratulate the Governor of Sokoto and, most importantly, the children of Sokoto for the entering into law of the Child Protection Bill.
“This is a major step forward for children’s rights across the State and sets an example for the states remaining that has not yet domesticated the Child Rights Act 2003 to do so as quickly as possible. It also sends a clear signal that child rights measures must be implemented across Sokoto and in all States to ensure the rights and well-being of all children, whoever and wherever they may be.”
“The children in Sokoto face numerous challenges to their rights and well-being that must be addressed, including lack of access to education, adequate primary healthcare, good nutrition and protection from violence – especially girls.
“As we commemorate this week the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we must not forget our girl children – many of whom face particular rights violations because of their gender. Child rights protection legislation – like that signed into law in Sokoto yesterday – puts in place measures that, if implemented, can ensure important and much-needed protection for girls, so that they can grow and thrive on an equal footing.”
Suzan O/VANG
