By Blessing Bature
Nigeria has joined the global movement to end violence against children, leveraging the Pathfinder+ initiative to drive meaningful change.
This commitment solidifies Nigeria’s dedication to protecting its most vulnerable citizens, its children.
According to the National Child Rights Act violence against children is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting millions.
Statistics have showed that 1 in 4 children experiences physical violence, while 1 in 5 children faces emotional abuse and 1 in 10 children experiences sexual violence
In her presentation at NIGERIA’S NATIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING for the Ist Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, Bogota, Columbia, the Child protection manager, UNICEF, Abuja, Mona Alka used the conference to appreciate all who makes out time to be at the NIGERIA’S NATIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING for the Ist Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.
She hinted that Nigeria is gearing up to participate in the Global Ministerial Conference on ending violence against children, taking place in Bogota, Colombia from November 7-8.
According to her, “As a Pathfinder country, Nigeria has made significant progress in addressing this critical issue and is now preparing to share its story on the global stage.
Alka explaining why Nigeria’s Preparatory Meeting Matters, said Nigeria’s national preparatory meeting brings together key ministries, civil society organizations, partners, and UN agencies to ensure the country is well-prepared for the global conference. As a Pathfinder country, Nigeria aims to strengthen efforts to protect children and address violence against them.
“This meeting provides an opportunity for children’s voices to be heard, sharing their needs, demands, and recommendations for addressing violence against children. By listening to children, government and partners can work together to create effective solutions, she said.
“The conference is hosted by Colombia and Sweden, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and the Special Representative to the Secretary General on ending violence against children”.
UNICEF Child protection manager pointed out that Nigeria being a Pathfinder country means it has made a public commitment to end violence against children. This commitment was made in 2019, and Nigeria joined a global movement to protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
“As a Pathfinder country, Nigeria aims to implement and scale up national action plans to reduce violence, strengthen legislation, child protection systems, and monitoring frameworks, and foster child participation”.
“Nigeria’s commitment is part of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end violence against children by 2030. The country has already made progress, with the President launching a campaign to End Violence Against Children by 2030 in 2016. This campaign builds on the success of the Year of Action to End Violence Against Children, launched in 2015”.
“By being a Pathfinder country, Nigeria demonstrates its dedication to protecting its children and ensuring their well-being”.
Dr Godwin Odo, Child protection specialist, UNICEF, Abuja said this is a combination of several activities leading up to the Ministerial Conference on the 28th of August this year, “we have a special children’s session, and the idea was to bring children together to ensure child participation, because more often than not, we assume that we know what is in the interest of our children”.
Odo informed, it’s quite important, In line with international, regional and national instruments and laws to ensure that children have a voice in determining issues that affect them that conveying happened on the 20th of August, we had more than 60 children from different spheres of life who participated at that event, and the children came up with their children demands.
According to him, “It’s amazing to see 40 children participating in this event, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are integrated into Nigeria’s commitment statement presented in Colombia. This level of engagement is crucial in promoting children’s rights and well-being”.
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights emphasizes the importance of protecting children from economic and social exploitation. This includes ensuring that children are not employed in work harmful to their morals or health, and that they receive adequate education and social security.
He noted, by involving children in the decision-making process, Nigeria is taking a significant step towards promoting their rights and well-being. This inclusive approach will help ensure that the country’s commitment statement addresses the most critical issues affecting children.
In a panel discussions, coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate ably represented by Dr Ovuoraye John, Director and Head, Gender Adolescent School Health and Elderly (GASHE) Division , Family Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja said Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health is committed to ending violence against children, and it’s great to see children being recognized and valued at this event.
He said, the Ministry’s mission is clear: health for all, regardless of age, nationality, or background. To achieve this, the Ministry has established the Department of Family Health, which includes divisions focused on gender, adolescent health, and elderly care.
He noted that the Ministry’s efforts are aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Target 16.2, which aims to end all forms of violence against children by 2030. “As a Pathfinder country, Nigeria is committed to implementing national action plans to prevent and respond to violence against children”.
“It’s inspiring to see the Ministry’s dedication to protecting children’s rights and well-being. By working together, we can create a safer, healthier environment for all children in Nigeria”.
