The Women Arise has sent solidarity to all Nigerian
children wherever and in whatever conditions they may be to commemorate the 'Day
of the African Child' (DAC),
In a press release by the President, Women Arise and Centre for Change, Dr Joe okei-odumakin, she said
that this year's DAC, which is themed: 'Humanitarian Action for Africa:
Children's Rights First', makes it expedient for Nigerians to reflect deeply on
the unsatisfactory conditions of the average Nigerian child.
"In spite of Nigeria's
commitment to the provisions of the CRC, African Charter on the Rights and
Welfare of the Child, Child Rights Act and several other international
protocols, the Nigerian child is still being denied the full enjoyment of his
rights in a wide range of circumstances, Dr. Joe Odumakin said.
She further reiterated, "Presently, only 24 of the 36
States of Nigeria have effectively enacted the CRA, thereby making 12 States
(all in northern Nigeria) completely bereft of the requisite legislative
framework to implement the child rights laws. In many of the states where the
Act has been enacted, lack of effective implementation of the laws account for
the inherent gap, thereby negatively affecting the wellbeing of children.
"It is absolutely necessary
to remind ourselves about the lamentable condition in which Leah Sharibu has
continued to find herself in Boko Haram's captivity. Same goes for those Chibok
girls that are yet to be rescued since their abduction in 2014.
"Another mind boggling
revelation has just emerged from a Report ranking Nigeria in the 31st position
(in a list of 54 countries) in African Child Policy Forum's Child Friendliness
Index 2018.
"We call on government, as
duty bearers, to urgently address the emerging issue of child hunger and child
harvesting in Nigeria.
"We also demand immediate
rescue of Leah Sharibu and all children in terrorists' captivity. Let's do everything in the best interest of the
child, the statement concluded.
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