The Save the Future of the Children Initiatives (SAFIN), a Non-Governmental Agency (NGO), on Saturday in Ilorin, advocated enforcement of laws against sexual abuse of minors in Nigeria.
Mr Oyedeji Olufemi, the Chief Executive Officer of SAFIN, made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting on the pre-launch of Protecting Children Against Child Trafficking and Abuse (PCAT) initiative,
Olufemi said that PCAT is premised on the global sustainable development agenda of Sept. 2015, unanimously adopted by the Member States of the United Nations for the 2030 Agenda.
He pointed out that the agenda includes, for the first time, a specific target of 16.2 to end all forms of violence against children, including abuse, neglect and exploitation of children which is mainstreamed across several other violence-related targets.
Olufemi, however, observed that years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, violence against children remains hidden and undermines the achievement of the SDGs and the fully implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
According to him, over one billion children around the world endure some form of violence and that three in every four children under the age of five experience aggressive discipline at the hands of caregivers.
He called for the provision of comprehensive services to at-risk of abuse and abused children in Nigeria on needs bases and strengthening referral linkages to end violence against children by 2030.
Olufemi enjoined the Kwara Government to ensure a safe environment for children at the school and community level.
“There is the need for parenting skills for families and caregivers to learn the importance of positive, non-violence disciplines in child development and effect child communication practice,” he said.
He also noted that strengthening the income and reduction of poverty in the society will reduce children’s vulnerability to abuse and trafficking.
Also, Hajia Bilkis Oladimeji, the State Coordinator for Children on the Move Care, Support and Protection Network in Nigeria, added that there is erosion of societal norms in the Nigeria.
Oladimeji asserts that the country had lost its communal values of caring for all children, irrespective of whose children they are, as they are looked upon as the responsibility of the society.
She appealed for all stakeholders, family units and government at all tiers to take action and responsibility in protecting the children.
According to her, the public should be enlightened on responsibility of taking care of the family and protection of children against trafficking.
(NAN)
