The United Nations Children Education Fund has commended Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State for signing the Child Protection Bill into law.
Reacting to the development, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate, stated that the child protection law in Adamawa frowns at child abuse of any kind.
“The Child Protection Law is the official position of the Adamawa Government that disregard for children’s rights is unacceptable and punishable. The law aims to safeguard the rights of children by preventing and addressing the killing and maiming of children, child labour, abductions of children, sexual violence against children and the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, among other grave violations of their rights.
“UNICEF hopes that the new law in Adamawa will be effectively implemented and that vulnerable children are supported to survive, thrive and become successful members of the society,” the statement reads in part.
Only Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe states have not yet domesticated the Child Rights Act, the statement said, with the government of Adamawa state having signed the Child Protection Bill into law.
“UNICEF calls on the governments of these states to do the needful as a commitment of their respect for the rights of children.
“UNICEF will continue to work with the government of Adamawa to operationalise the law and bring perpetrators and violators into account,” the statement added.
