The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu (OFR SAN), has emphasized the urgent need for united efforts to safeguard the safety and well-being of every child in Nigeria.
Speaking on the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Dr. Ojukwu called on all stakeholders to address the underlying causes of child abuse and exploitation including poverty, insecurity, and lack of access to education.
Observed annually on June 4th, the day recognizes the suffering of children around the world who endure physical, mental, and emotional abuse. In Nigeria, it carries deep relevance due to persistent issues of child abuse, violence, and exploitation.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that millions of Nigerian children experience emotional, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Many are displaced by conflict and face heightened vulnerability.
He highlighted the North East as particularly impacted by Boko Haram insurgency, while the sit-at-home orders in the South East have denied many children their right to quality education.
He expressed grave concern about the plight of children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where many are forced to beg and face increased risks of exploitation.
He stressed the lasting psychological toll of such conditions on children’s development and future opportunities.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Ojukwu acknowledged progress in child protection, pointing to initiatives such as the School Feeding Programme, Safe School Initiative, and the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) as examples of efforts aimed at creating safer learning environments and addressing child protection concerns.
He urged the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of legislation for the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, stating that it would help ensure schools are secure places where children can learn and thrive without fear.
Dr. Ojukwu also called on the government to reinforce the implementation of the Child Rights Act and related laws. This includes bolstering support for IDP camps, ensuring access to quality healthcare and education, and tackling the root causes of poverty and insecurity.
He underscored the importance of a collaborative approach to uphold children’s rights and dignity
“Working together will create a society where children are valued, respected, and protected from all forms of violence and abuse,” he said.
He called for focused efforts to address the issue of Almajiri children, whose rights to education and protection from abuse remain severely compromised.
Olusola Akintonde