The Collective movement, has called on governments at all levels in Nigeria to make space for children and young people to raise their voices on the issues that matter to them.
In its congratulatory message to commemorate World Children’s Day, the group said Children have a right to be listened to and included in all decisions that affect them.
The Collectives said Children’s rights are human rights, adding that in too many places today, children’s rights are under attack, Nigeria inclusive.
It stressed the need to prioritize children’s rights and participation so that we can help build a better future for all.
“Every child, everywhere, has a right to live in a peaceful world. Children have a right to a safe and livable world.”
According to the Collective, crisis after crisis is robbing children in Nigeria of their lives and futures; hence, governments at all levels should take action and protect the Children now.
“Unfortunately, children today are living in a world that is increasingly hostile to their rights. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the experience of children impacted by conflicts.
“Many Children are being injured, killed, or sexually violated. They are losing family members and friends. And some are being recruited and used by armed groups and terrorists.Many of them are either killed or displaced multiple times, risking separation from their families, losing critical years of education, and fraying ties to their communities.
“That this coincides with other crises that are infringing on children’s rights is deeply troubling. These include rising poverty and inequality, public health emergencies, and, of course, the global climate crisis.
“Climate change, in particular, is an existential threat to the health and wellbeing of this and future generations of children.”
The Collective noted that many children currently live in areas that are at ‘extremely high risk’ from the impacts of climate change such as floods etc. This means that children suffer irreparable harm as our planet continues to warm. They could lose their homes or schools to increasingly violent storms.
The Collective Movement therefore, call on the government act, urging the government and other stakeholders in the child rights community to governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector – to be stronger champions and advocates for the fulfillment and protection of children’s rights. This means supporting the alignment of national legal frameworks with the CRC and other international standards and putting those standards into practice.
“It also means reaffirming children’s status as distinct, independent rights holders and ensuring accountability for violations of children’s rights wherever they occur.
While celebrating the advancement of children’s rights across the country, we encourage them to use their talent and intellectual capacity to develop the nation.
Also, they should respect elders, parents and teachers, uphold positive cultural values, and take good care of their environment.
