The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has called for accelerated implementation of the Child Rights Act in Nigerian states to ensure the protection and proper care of children.
UNICEF also called on states that have not yet passed and signed its Child Rights Bill to accelerate action on it to move forward with the rest of the world and make the world a better place for the development and security of children. children.
UNICEF Enugu Field Office Chief Ms. Juliet Chiluwe made the call in Enugu on Thursday during a press conference in preparation for the celebration of Nigerian Children’s Day 2023; that would take place on Saturday, May 27, nationwide.
Chiluwe said that as “special gifts from God to the country and humanity,” children everywhere must be “treated with care and respect as they remain the future of many generations.”
According to her, children are a gift from God. No matter the gender and the state or physical condition of the child and with their beauty, contagious smiles and carefree spirit, they steal the hearts of many.
“By advocating for parenting fit for value orientation and national consciousness, children around the world have the right to express their opinions and areas of need, to be heard and heard.
“It is the obligation of all duty bearers and people who care for children to help them realize these rights,” she said.
Chiluwe said that Children’s Day in Nigeria provides an opportunity for children to immerse themselves in various social and extracurricular activities, including: debates, excursions, fairs, parades and much more.
“Children’s Day, celebrated in Nigeria on May 27 each year, is dedicated to celebrating children around the world and adults remembering their childhood experiences.
“The excitement of the day is palpable as it is a special day to recognize, honor, celebrate and appreciate the gifts of God.
“Therefore, attention must be paid to their physical, psychological, developmental and general well-being.
“It is time to stop and reassess our children’s situation, refocus on better parenting and ensuring that families continue to be safety nets for children,” he said.
He noted that UNICEF’s mandate is to help children around the world realize their right to participation and other rights inherent in the Child Rights Act.
He said UNICEF would work with the Ministry of Gender and Social Development, the Enugu State Children’s Parliament and the media to organize a one-day symposium to help hold duty bearers accountable on the Day of Child of this year.
Chiluwe said the symposium would provide the necessary platform to call on the Enugu state government and all its stakeholders to take concerted action to speed up the implementation of the state’s Child Rights Act.
She said the theme of the symposium is: “The State of Nigerian Children Today: Right Parenting for Value Orientation and National Consciousness.
“As we celebrate the Day of the Nigerian Child 2023: I wish all Nigerian children happy celebrations!” said Chiluwe, whose office oversees UNICEF activities in eight states across the country.
These states include: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Cross River, Kogi, and Benue.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
