Plateau Govt. vows to fully implement Child Rights Law

Gov.-Simon-Lalong-of-Plateau

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau

The Plateau Government on Thursday expressed concern at the number of child abuse cases in the state, vowing to fully implement the provisions of the 2005 Child Rights Law.

Mrs Anna Izam, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.

She said that children were vulnerable and required the efficacy of laws to punish their abusers, who mostly get away with such offences.

“Plateau is one of the first states to domesticate the Child Rights Law, full implementation of it would help us deal decisively with people who maltreat, rape, abduct and traffic children among other offences.

“The law in addition does not also allow children to terrorise their parents and other adults in the society.

“The law describes a child as anyone below the age of 18,’’ she said.

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Izam said that child protection was critical to every nation’s development and the state government was committed to creating an enabling environment for children, to also access quality and affordable education.

“ Education is a major criteria to secure the future of the children and break the shackles of poverty in our society.

“ We want to create a safe space for them to develop free from danger, uphold their dignity and not subject them to any form of discrimination.

“All these were captured in the 2018 children’s day theme entitled “Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our Collective Responsibility,’’ she said.

She commended Gov. Simon Lalong for making budgetary provisions to cater for the orphanages and widowhood centre in the state.

“His new year donations of food and clothing to vulnerable children was apt and a sign of love.’’

The provisions of the Child Rights Law require the provisions of family courts, to ensure speedy judgment of perpetrators of child abuse and other related offences.

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