Chief Programmes Officer, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Mr Ayodeji Adelopo has called for urgent review of the Child Rights Act to ensure more protection for vulnerable children. Adelopo made the call at the sidelines of a climate change media workshop organised by the organisation in Lagos recently. Speaking with journalists at the event, he called on the Nigerian government to do more in safeguarding children without parental care.
“A society’s morality is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members. “We have much to do in ensuring that children without parental care are adequately cared for. “This responsibility lies with all of us – governments, corporate bodies, civil society, and individuals. “Central to this call is the urgent need to review Nigeria’s Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003, the principal framework for child protection in the country,” Adelopo said.
According to him, since the enactment of CRA more than 20 years ago, new realities have emerged, including insecurity, economic hardship and online threats such as cyberbullying and digital exploitation. Adelopo said review of the Act alongside Child Rights Law in states would ensure that Nigeria’s legal framework would respond to the realities and adequately protect vulnerable children. “Protecting children without parental care is not just a legal obligation, it is a moral duty and a societal investment.
“By safeguarding their future, we safeguard the future of our nation,” Adelopo added. He noted that children everywhere is vulnerable by nature but those without parental care faced heightened risks. According to Adelopo, a child will lack parental care when his or her parents are not available to provide adequate support, or lack the capacity or commitment to do so.
Observing that children without parental care were among the most vulnerable groups, the chief programme officer said failure to address their needs would not only jeopardise their future but also pose long-term dangers for the society. “Every child has the right to protection, care and support – rights that must be upheld by parents, communities and governments,” Adelopo added.
