Children’s Day: UNICEF Lauds Nigeria for Commitment on Violence Against Children

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commended the Nigerian Government for her commitment demonstrated at ending violence against children.

UNICEF Kaduna Chief of Field Office, Dr. Zakari Adam, made the commendation in Kaduna on Sunday at an event to commemorate the World Children’s Day, organized in collaboration with Fifth Chukkers and Access Bank.

According to him, We are aware that, Nigeria has demonstrated clear commitment to end violence against children – and the theme for the Children’s Day in Nigeria this year “Creating safe spaces for children: our collective responsibility’, provides an excellent opportunity to speak up on behalf of all the vulnerable and deprived children in Kaduna State and the country in general.

“Nigeria has set a wonderful record in favour of children as it was the first country in the West African sub-region and the 9th country in the world to successfully conduct the Violence Against Children survey in 2014. These survey provided the first nationally representative data on the prevalence of sexual, physical, and emotional violence among children in Nigeria. 

“The findings, released at the end of 2015, highlighted that millions of Nigerian children are suffering from violence every year and most are suffering in silence. 6 out of 10 children will suffer some form of emotional, physical or sexual violence before they reach the age of 18. Many of them encounter violence over and over. Yet, less than 5% of the children that seek help, receive support. This is a clear call for the government at all levels to act to end violence against children.”

Dr Zakari, added, “it is delighting to be in your midst today as we all come together to identify with our children on this important and special day for children all over Nigeria as we mark the 2018 Nigeria’s Children’s Day.

“UNICEF, we have the mandate to support children to grow to their full potential. From what I am seeing today, I am confident that Nigeria has enormous potential leaders who are the young ones today we are celebrating their day. Congratulations Children!”

He congratulate the government and the Governor of Kaduna state for launching the violence against children campaign last year and for accenting to the Child rights welfare law recently.

The Chief emphasized that UNICEF remains firmly committed to end violence against children in Nigeria, saying, “we are determined to mobilize political will and resources to tackle all forms of violence against children wherever it happens. We shall deliberately continue to expand our collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to champion the cause and rights of children.

“UNICEF sincerely commend the good strides being recorded by the ministry under the able leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, Hajiya Hafsat Mohamed Baba. More grease to your elbow, Madam.”

“I wish to draw the attention of parents and caregivers to ensure that every school age child goes to school, children under five years must receive full immunization as a right to their survival. In the same manner, we should continue to protect the rights of children and create an atmosphere for their participation on matters affecting them, meaning to give them a VOICE.

“We must take advantage of our different key and strategic positions to change the narrative for children by tackling the issues of children from all angles and at all levels. This includes developing protective laws and policies, promoting services, targeting programmes at those who most need them, adequate budgetary allocations and release of funds and raising awareness to promote social change. Indeed, everyone has a role to play and we should act NOW!” He added.

Earlier in her Keynote Address, Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba, noted that the findings of Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey (VACS) has not only brought the high prevalence rate of violence children face in the country, but has also placed it’s consequences in the context of other public health and economic concerns.

“The VACS report is a warning signal that if we fail as a nation to take steps towards developing and ensuring that our children are safe, we will be in catastrophic situation.

“Another one is guaranteeing that children have a child specific legal instrument that will incorporates all the rights and responsibilities of children; consolidates all laws relating to children into a single law; and specifies the duties and obligations of government, parents and other authorities, organizations and bodies. This instrument will ensure that violators pay dearly for perpetrating violence against children and will also deter others.”

She added that, the Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is committed and providing support to ensure that children in the State get all it takes for them to develop in protective environment.

Some of what the Governor is doing in that regards according to her, includes; “approval of the relocation/renovation of the Social Welfare Training Centre to the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure the training of critical mass of Social Welfare personnel.

“Allocation of a shelter to provide an emergency housing, social and medical services to women and children survivors of abuse and neglect. Approval and release of ₦66 million for renovation and equipping of the shelter.

“Approval the construction of three additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres. Construction of new and renovation of existing Children Remand Homes.”