A child rights’ group, Child Protection Network (CPN) has called on governments at all levels, groups, organizations and other individuals to join hands with it in the fight against child abuse and protection of rights of the children.
The group, as part of activities marking this year’s World Children’s Day, also called for provision of monitoring and supervision of sexual abuse prevention program and availability of the Child Rights Act in school libraries to enable the children to be informed of their rights.
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe, who is the coordinator of the group made the call during the press conference to round up the 19 days of activism to commemorate the annual World Children’s Day.
The program was held at American Corner, ANCE road, Onireke, Ibadan on Saturday.
Mrs. Ogedengbe disclosed that the best way to protect children especially at organizations and institutions where contacts are made with them, is to give them adequate training, perform criminal background checks on those working with them, establish an abuse response process and establishment of sensible policies and procedures in organizations.
The CPN Coordinator further identified maintenance of appropriate supervision, provision of monitoring and oversight of sexual abuse prevention program and establishment of mandatory reporting obligations to empower employees and volunteers to report abuse.
She said that this year’s theme, “A Better Future for Every Child” is in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals agenda 2030 which states “end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children.”
Also Speaking, Alhaja Sururat Oyero, who is the Treasurer of the group, explained that the CPN is working harmoniously with all security agencies and the media in Oyo State to ensure that abuses against children are eliminated or brought to the barest minimum.
She revealed that the Child Protection Network was brought about by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the state government by bringing various organizations together to form a common front in protecting the rights of children.
In her submission, the immediate past Coordinator, Dr. Ebunlomo Walker, said the law on violence against persons recently passed by the Oyo state House of Assembly which also provides a legal framework for the protection of children should be implemented and monitored.
The group called on relevant stakeholders, governments, groups, organizations and other individuals to lend their support to the group in the fight against abuse and protection of the children.
The immediate Vice Coordinator, Hajia Airat Ogungbenro and Mrs. Bolanle Omidiji were also at the event.
World Children’s Day is celebrated on the 20th day of November every year to chart the course of child protection and empowerment.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
