The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for the effective implementation of the Edo Child Rights Law, particularly in rural communities where children remain most vulnerable.
Solomon Adoga, the senior programme manager of CISLAC, made the call on Thursday in Benin during advocacy visits to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse.
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Mr Adoga said the visit was part of the EU-funded project Strengthening Child Care and Protection Systems in Nigeria, implemented by a consortium, including CISLAC, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, and Jire Do Foundation.
He commended the ongoing review of the state child rights law, but stressed that the review must be matched with enforcement and awareness creation.
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“We cannot have an old law to respond to current issues. We believe it is not just enough to have laws; the enforcement is most important.
“But, you cannot enforce what the people are not aware of, hence, the need for this advocacy.
“So, on this leg, we are basically looking at the review of the law at this point, its implementation and, of course, how people who are involved are coordinated into that process.
“If the state is implementing and reviewing its law, clearly it is understandable that there’s a need to address those gaps to strengthen child care and protection.
“We cannot have an old law corresponding to current issues.
“So basically, we are looking to support the process, complete the review and partner with the state in its implementation.
“We also know the importance of sensitisation and awareness creation amongst the citizens to understand the provisions of this law, even as we do,” Mr Adoga said.
Responding, the NHRC’s Edo Coordinator, Dosumu Olumide, represented by the Chief Investigation Officer, Temi-Tonwe Weyimi, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting children’s rights.
“Child rights are core to the work of the National Human Rights Commission. We have engaged in sensitisation workshops in schools and continue to work with various committees to strengthen child protection,” Weyimi said.
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On her part, Ronke Ojeikere, initiator of Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse and member of the Edo Gender-Based Management Committee, decried the rising cases of child labour in the state.
“If you look around Edo State, there is a role reversal; Parents are not working, and children are now the ones working to support families. This is alarming and must be addressed,” she said.
(NAN)
