The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office has brought together key stakeholders from Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states to tackle growing concerns around child protection and survival in Nigeria’s Northeast.
At a roundtable meeting held in Gombe, participants—including journalists, social workers, security personnel, lawyers, and traditional leaders—discussed urgent steps to curb rising cases of child rights violations and improve children’s well-being across the region.
UNICEF stressed that protecting children is not optional but a fundamental right that must be upheld at every level—from families to communities and government institutions. Despite laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act being in place, many children in these states still face serious threats to their safety and development.
Speaking at the event, the head of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, underscored that child protection begins at birth, starting with proper birth registration. She highlighted essential needs such as immunisation, nutrition, healthcare, and education as critical to helping children reach their full potential.
Dr. Rafique also spoke emotionally about the disturbing rise in sexual violence against children, revealing that even infants as young as six months have been victims. She described the situation as deeply troubling, noting the lasting physical and psychological damage such abuse causes.
She pointed out that lack of awareness and education continues to fuel these violations, adding that investing in children’s education today will help raise more responsible parents in the future.
Calling for a united effort, Rafique urged stakeholders—including the media, traditional rulers, and government officials—to take active roles in promoting and enforcing child rights. According to her, protecting children is a shared responsibility that requires sustained commitment from everyone.
Also speaking, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Ladi Alabi presented data on the scale and patterns of sexual violence in the three states. She noted that many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear, and limited knowledge of support systems.
Participants agreed that addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration across sectors, improved reporting and referral systems, and continued advocacy to protect children from abuse.
The meeting is expected to strengthen partnerships and drive coordinated efforts aimed at preventing violations and ensuring that every child is safe, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
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