The European Union (EU) has called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to safeguard children’s rights and eliminate all forms of discrimination and intimidation.
This appeal was made at the 2024 International Human Rights Day event in Abuja, themed “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now – Advancing Rights and Protection for Children in Nigeria.”
Organised by the EU Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), the event marked the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism campaign and reinforced the urgency of advancing children’s rights in Nigeria.
Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador-designate to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasised that while many states have adopted the Child Rights Act (CRA), its effective implementation remains a critical challenge.
He urged the government to provide increased funding to ensure children have access to education, healthcare, and social services, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
Mignot highlighted the EU’s broader commitment to promoting human rights and combating gender-based violence, noting that institutional support and adequate resources are vital to breaking cycles of abuse and neglect.
He called for a collective effort to foster a culture of human rights, warning that neglecting these values undermines democracy and social justice.
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, also addressed the persistent gaps in child rights enforcement.
He appealed to state governments yet to domesticate the CRA to act urgently, pointing out that 24 million Nigerian children are engaged in child labour, according to the 2022 National Child Labour Survey.
Kalu reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to addressing these issues and aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The EU and Nigerian stakeholders closed the event with a unified call for action to prioritise children’s rights.
They stressed that a safer, more equitable future for Nigerian children can only be achieved through coordinated efforts and sufficient investment in their well-being.
