A coalition of 20 Civil Society Organisations in Sokoto has implored the state government to pass and implement the Child Rights Bill.
“As concerned Civil Society Organisations and citizens, we have realised the overwhelming disadvantages faced by children due to delayed passage and implementation of the Child Rights Bill in Sokoto,” it stated at a CSOs Coalition Meeting organised by Youth hub Africa, in Sokoto
It recalled that the Child Rights Act was adopted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2003 to domesticate the Convention on the Rights of a Child.
The coalition harped on the need to pass the Child Rights Bill into law , stressing that it would uphold the duties and obligations of government, parents, authorities, organisations and bodies towards children.
It added that it would ensure that adequate measures are put in place against any individual or body who goes contrary to the provisions of the law.
The coalition also said that passing the Bill into law would propel reduction in the number of out -of -school in Sokoto and provide a decent educational foundation for children.
“As a coalition of the below listed CSOs, it is our duty to remind and support the state government on plans and polices that will be of benefit to the entire population and in this case, passing the Child Rights Bill into Law will be a landmark achievement to the government and the people of Sokoto state,” it stated.
The coalition called on all relevant authorities including Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Justice, state government and other stakeholders to work together in ensuring that the Child Rights Bill was presented and passed into law in Sokoto state.
Executive Director, Youth hub Africa, Rotimi Olawale noted that the Child Rights Act 2003 was created to serve as a legal document for the protection of the Rights and Responsibilities of Every Nigerian Child.
He however added that the efficacy of the law could only stand if state assemblies pass and implement the bill
“In some states, they call it the Child Welfare and Protection Law. It is going to be an important legislation for Sokoto state, specifically for children because the law empowers them to have access to many rights, especially the right to education, and to protect them from any severe abuse,” he stated.
