Sen. Istifanus Gyang (PDP- Plateau) has called for full implementation of Child’s Rights Act 2003 to safeguard the future of Nigerian children.
Gyang said this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Protocol,Mr Musa Ashoms on Wednesday in Jos, saying that the Act was for the best interest of Nigerian child.
He said that the full implementation of the Act should be of paramount concern to governments at all levels as it provided protection and care needed for the well-being of the Nigerian child.
“In addition to the inalienable rights in chapter four of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), there are rights that are exclusive to the child as embedded in the Child’s Rights Act.
“It has attendant and consequential sanctions against breach and non-compliance.
“The Act entitles a child to amongst others; right to dignity, right to health and health services.
“The child is also entitle to right to free, compulsory and universal education, right to special protection from abuse and exploitation.
“It protects them from abuse and exploitation such as child marriage, sexual abuse, exploitative labour, violence, indecent exposure among others,” he said.
Gyang said that the rights of the Nigerian child can be enforced and further guaranteed by making the provisions of chapter four of the 1999 Constitution obligatory and justifiable as it relate to the child.
He urged state governments to implement the provisions of the Act for the good of the Nigerian child.
The senator supported the criminalisation of the Almajiri practices and conduct by the Kaduna State Government.
He said that the decision would go a long way in restoring the dignity of the child and curbing illiteracy when the children return to formal education.
Gyang further said that the evils of terrorism, insurgency and banditry have done a lot of havoc on the Nigerian child.
“They are not spared from the heartless killings in communities that have been reduced to rubble by killer bandits.
“Protecting the rights of the affected children requires the safety and security of all communities vulnerable to such attacks.
“Better still, decisive action against perpetrators by government is necessary and non negotiable,” he said.
