By Christian Njoku
A collaboration of Civil Society Organisations led by Right Academy have unveiled a simplified version of the Cross River Child Rights Law.
The unveiling which took place on Tuesday in Calabar was in commemoration of the International Day for Street Children.
It also aimed at making the law more accessible and understandable, for children, parents, teachers, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and other key stakeholders.
The International Day for Street Children is observed annually on April 12 to raise awareness about the rights and challenges faced by street-connected children worldwide.
In a presentation titled “Protect Not Punish,” Mr Jude Edu, Programme Coordinator of Rights Academy, reaffirmed that children in street situations are first human beings with inalienable rights.
Edu cited the Cross River Child Rights Law, which defines a child as any person below the age of 18, and explained that children are inherently vulnerable due to their dependence on adults.
He noted that when their support systems failed, children were exposed to risks such as hunger, violence, exploitation, trafficking, substance abuse, and sexual and physical abuse.
He identified poverty, economic hardship, child neglect and abuse, family breakdown, displacement, insecurity, and harmful practices such as witchcraft branding as root causes of children living on the streets.
“Weak implementation of existing laws and inadequate social welfare systems further worsen the situation.
“Children in street situations should be treated as victims rather than offenders; we must question the humanity of a society that criminalises and harms its young,” he said.
He called for the strengthening of the child protection systems, full implementation of the law, rehabilitation programmes, psychosocial support, family tracing and reintegration, and access to education.
He concluded by urging collective action to ensure that every child is taken off the streets and given the opportunity to thrive.
On his part, Co-founder of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), Mr James Ibor, commended Rights Academy for the initiative. describing the launch as a great step.
According to Ibor, the successful project of simplifying the Child Rights Law 2023 and bringing young people together for its unveiling was highly exceptional.
However, Mrs Felicia Ofem, a representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs, expressed the view that many of the street children returned to the streets even after rehabilitation.
She also asserted that some of the children were not from Cross River but from neighbouring states such as Akwa Ibom Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom.
Responding to the official from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ms Ukeme Ekong, Head of Office of We The People a CSO questioned the basis of such claims.
She urged the ministry to carry out a proper survey emphasising that the focus should not be on assigning blame but on developing informed and effective solutions for the challenge of street children.
The CSOs recommended the establishment of a dedicated task force, provision for the rehabilitation services and development of clear child rights implementation policies.
They also recommended the expansion of skill acquisition programmes for the children, integration into basic education, and increased awareness through social media campaigns.
