By Ebere Agozie
The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba says Nigeria has been reported to have one of the highest number of child brides in Africa.
Jeddy-Agba said this in her keynote address at a two-day stakeholders’ forum on ending violence against children in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.
She said that unfortunately, most of them are from the poor and rural communities.
“These reports and data underscore the need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to intensify their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us.
“We have to create a world where all children can thrive and be supported to reach their full potential.
“Ending violence against children requires a multifaceted approach, with concerted and intentional efforts of all stakeholders, institutions and development partners.
“Those invested in developing and implementing government policies, must embark on initiatives and institutionalize mechanisms to address the scourge’’.
She said that by working together with a common goal, governments, organizations, communities, and individuals can build a safer world for the children.
“Let us use this opportunity to reinforce our commitment to end the scourge of violence against children in our communities and nation.
“We will also ensure that children who suffer from violence are given the necessary physical and mental support they require to be rehabilitated’’.
She noted that one major area that requires reform is the juvenile justice system, which includes government agencies and institutions.
It is the system that functions to investigate, supervise, adjudicate, care for, or confine delinquent juveniles or children in contact with the law.
“Other hiccups include addressing overcrowding in juvenile homes, delays in the legal process, and inadequate resources in detention centers to cater to juveniles.
“There is therefore the need for a review of laws and government policy to adopt a reformative approach for children in contact with the law.
“This is in order to address the root causes of criminal behavior in children, such as poverty, neglect, and lack of education’’.
The perm sec. noted that Child Right Act/Laws guarantee respect for the dignity of the child and stipulates that children shall not be subjected to physical, mental or emotional abuse.
“However, it is very disheartening that only a fraction of children whose rights are violated come forward to seek redress or have access to justice which will enable them seek redress.
“More disheartening still is the fact that even when children report abuse, few are able to obtain effective support or rehabilitation and may suffer discrimination from their families and their communities.
“ Therefore, we must pull together institutional resources and support to ensure that children who suffer violence are able to report to competent authorities’’.
She said the Ministry of Justice is fully committed to preventing and punishing violence against children.
“One of the measures we have undertaken is to designate specialized prosecutors to handle cases of violence against girls who were in Boko Haram captivity or violated by them’’.
She recommended that stakeholders should raise awareness about the issue and its devastating impacts, strengthen child protection laws and their enforcement, and provide support services for at-risk children and families.
“We should promote positive parenting and non-violent disciplinary methods and address root causes like poverty, inequality, and lack of education and as well empower children to speak up and seek help’’.
Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms Department said the gathering was a call to action.
“It is a collective responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare and interest of the most vulnerable members of our society.
“It is an opportunity for us to review the progress we have made, identify the obstacles that remain on our path, and draw a strategy towards surmounting the obstacles.” She said.
Ms Mona Aika, the Child Protection Manager, UNICEF, in her goodwill message commended the ministry for leading the conversation.
Aika described as alarming data indicating that 6 out of 10 children experienced physical or sexual violence before the age of 18, and yet, ‘do not receive the help they require’.
The Speaker, FCT Children Parliament, Waziri Rahama-Yarada urged all stakeholders to help stem the menace, assuring that the parliament would be presenting a Charter of Demand before the end of the programmme.
Other keynote speakers were the President, Nigerian Association of Family Court Judges, Magistrates and Other Practitioners, the Etsu of Kwali, among others. (NAN)
