By CY Akut, Abuja
The Federal Government has commenced a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003, with stakeholders calling for stronger enforcement mechanisms, adequate funding and improved coordination among institutions responsible for child protection.
The three-day National Stakeholder Engagement on the review, being held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, is convened by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with GENDER MOBILE, SOS Children’s Villages, Women’s Aid Collective (WARDC), Justice Research Institute and Lumina.
The engagement was declared open on Tuesday, September 22, by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Beatrice Jedy-Agba.
Fagbemi said the review had become urgent in view of the numerous challenges confronting children across the country.
He cited data indicating that nine out of 10 Nigerian children experience violence at home monthly, one in three girls is married before the age of 18, nearly half of Nigerian children are not registered at birth, while more than 130,000 children are detained alongside adults.
The minister stressed that the review should not become another talk shop, but should result in concrete measures, including adequately funded institutions, more social workers, child-friendly courts and police structures capable of responding effectively to children’s rights violations.
The second day of the engagement on Wednesday featured intensive clause-by-clause examination of the Child Rights Act by 15 stakeholder groups.
Among the issues considered was the Child Rights Coordination System, particularly Sections 216–233 and 400–409 of the Act.
The group reviewing the provisions called for stronger implementation mechanisms, including the establishment of a national database of children and improved systems for data collection, monitoring and evaluation.
The group also advocated the appointment of a dedicated Permanent Secretary for Children, a fully established Department for Child Rights Secretariat and increased representation of non-governmental organisations in the child protection coordination system.
It further recommended the inclusion of social workers, persons with disabilities and traditional institutions in the coordination framework.
The high point of the second day was the closing session addressed by Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, Justice of the Court of Appeal.
Justice Nwike Urges Enforcement
Justice Nyesom-Wike commended the 15 groups for their detailed contributions to the review and stressed the need to give adequate attention to enforcement once the revised law is enacted.
She said 23 years after the original Child Rights Act was enacted, Nigeria needed a stronger legal framework capable of addressing emerging threats to children’s welfare, including violence, exploitation, child marriage and online abuse, as well as the protection of children in conflict with the law.
According to her, the effectiveness of the revised legislation would ultimately depend on its implementation at the federal, state, local government and community levels.
She also assured stakeholders of the judiciary’s continued support towards strengthening child-friendly justice and ensuring that children who come into contact with the justice system are adequately protected.
The final day of the engagement is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, when reports from the various groups are expected to be presented.
A communique is also expected to be adopted and transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration as part of the process of reviewing the Child Rights Act.
