IHR 2024: Kalu tasks states to domesticate Child Rights Act, eliminate child labour

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Tuesday, called on the 36 state governments that are yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act to do so to address various challenges faced by children nationwide.

Hon. Kalu gave the charge in Abuja at the event marking International Human Rights Day 2024 with the theme:
‘Our rights, our future, right now: Advancing rights and protection for Children in Nigeria’, organised by his office, the European Union Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

Hon. Kalu also called for joint efforts towards eradicating child labour in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He lamented that the persistent issue of child labour and incomplete domestication of the CRA across all 36 states of our federation remains a significant challenge for the nation.

He stated that despite the legislative milestones achieved, such as the enactment of the Child Rights Act (CRA), 2003, children in Nigeria continue to face significant challenges, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, and systemic failures in the enforcement of their rights.

According to him, till date, 11 states have yet to gazette the CRA, leaving millions of children without the complete legal protections they deserve.

Another grave concern, he said, is the persistent issue of child labour, as the National Child Labour Survey of 2022 revealed that 24 million of our 62.9 million children are engaged in child labour, many of whom are forced into exploitative and hazardous conditions.

He noted that the theme of this year’s IHR, ‘ria,’ is apt and a call to action for all stakeholders—government, civil society, international partners, and the private sector—to unite in advancing the rights and protection of children in Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to prioritise the rights of children in all their legislative efforts.

Hon. Kalu said: “Ladies and gentlemen, this year’s theme, “Our rights, our future, right now: Advancing rights and protection for Children in Nigeria,” speaks to the urgent need for action to secure the well-being of our children today, for their future and ours.

“Despite the legislative milestones we have achieved, such as the enactment of the Child Rights Act (CRA), 2003, children in Nigeria continue to face significant challenges. These include abuse, neglect, exploitation, and systemic failures in the enforcement of their rights.

“One glaring issue is the incomplete domestication of the CRA across all 36 states of our federation. To date, 11 states are yet to gazette the CRA, leaving millions of children without the complete legal protections they deserve. Another grave concern is the persistent issue of child labour.

“The National Child Labour Survey of 2022 revealed that 24 million of our 62.9 million children are engaged in child labour, many of whom are forced into exploitative and hazardous conditions. Furthermore, human trafficking remains a heinous violation of children’s rights.

“Despite the commendable efforts of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), we must intensify our fight against the trafficking of children for forced labour, sexual exploitation, and illegal activities such as the operation of baby factories. Addressing these challenges demands a multifaceted and collaborative approach.

“We must strengthen legislative and policy frameworks: Encourage the remaining states that have signed the Child Rights Act into law but not gazetted it to do so and ensure its effective implementation nationwide. Increase public and private investments in education, especially in conflict-affected areas, and integrate mental health services into our child protection frameworks.

“Enhance enforcement mechanisms: Further equip agencies like NAPTIP and the NHRC with the resources needed to combat child trafficking, abuse, and exploitation effectively. Promote public awareness: Engage communities to address cultural practices and societal attitudes that perpetuate child rights violations.”

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE