His Excellency President Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria
Re-visit the United Nations Child Legislation jConvention and implement the well-being of Nigeria children. Ambassador Agim Godwin Apple told the Federal Government of Nigeria as he boost the participants of the Child Protection Services, a unit of the Human Rights Watch and Youths Empowerment Foundation Nigeria.
Ambassador Agim Godwin Apple President Human Rights Watch and Youths Empowerment Foundation Nigeria.
In his messageto the Federal Government of Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Agim Godwin Apple wrote as follows:
Your Excellency Sir,
I am writing to bring your attention to the United Nations Child Legislation Convention (UNCRC) and urge you to prioritize the well-being of children in Nigeria by revisiting and implementing its provisions.
As a citizen of Nigeria, I believe that safeguarding the rights and ensuring the welfare of our children should be a top priority for our nation.
The UNCRC, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, is a legally binding international treaty that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child. Nigeria ratified this convention in 1991, demonstrating our commitment to upholding the rights of our children.
However, despite this commitment, many children in Nigeria still face significant challenges relating to their well-being and rights.
It is crucial that we take concerted action to address these issues and ensure that every child in Nigeria enjoys a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.
To achieve this, I propose the following steps:
Legislative Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing legislation pertaining to children’s rights and welfare in Nigeria. Identify any gaps or inadequacies and amend laws accordingly to align with the UNCRC provisions.
Implementation Mechanisms: Develop and implement effective mechanisms to enforce child rights legislations. This includes establishing specialized courts, increasing capacity within relevant authorities, and ensuring accountability for those who violate children’s rights.
Awareness and Education: Launch nationwide awareness campaigns to educate parents, caregivers, and communities about the rights of children as enshrined in the UNCRC. Promote a culture of respect, protection, and support for children’s rights at all levels.
Access to Basic Services: Ensure access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and housing for all children in Nigeria. Allocate adequate resources towards improving infrastructure and services that directly benefit children, especially those from marginalized communities.
Child Protection: Strengthen child protection systems to prevent and respond to all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children. Enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies, child protection services, and other relevant stakeholders to create a safe and secure environment for children.
Participation: Encourage meaningful participation of children in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Establish platforms for children to express their views, share experiences, and contribute to policies and programs that directly impact their well-being.
By revisiting and implementing the UNCRC, Nigeria can make significant progress in safeguarding the rights and well-being of our children. Investing in their future will not only ensure a prosperous society but also uphold their inherent dignity and unlock their full potential.
I strongly encourage you to prioritize the well-being of Nigerian children and take decisive action in implementing the UNCRC provisions. Let us stand together in creating a brighter and more inclusive future for our children.
Sincerely,
Ambassador Agim Godwin Apple UPF (General Consultative Status on Economic and Social Council of the United Nations).