3 weeks ago
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The Young Leaders Network, as the implementing partner of the ASPIRE project funded by Canada through the Plan International, has during an advocacy roundtable in DASS Local Government Area of Bauchi State harped on the need for the implementation of the Child Protection Law in the state.
Speaking on the need for an advocacy to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health rights and while focusing on the newly enacted Bauchi State Child Protection Law 2023, a senior magistrate and district court judge with the Bauchi State judiciary, Amina Garuba provided an insightful overview of the protection law 2023.
She emphasised that the state operates under four key legal frameworks, which she disclosed to include, “The Constitution of Nigeria, The Penal Code, The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, and The Child Protection Law.
“The Child Protection Law does not prioritise children over their parents; rather, it emphasises the responsibilities of both parties.”
Also focusing on children’s rights, particularly in relation to SRHR, Garuba highlighted several prohibitions under the law as “Statutory Rape: Engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under 18 is classified as statutory rape, carrying a life imprisonment penalty, Exploitative Labour: The law prohibits trafficking for forced labour, Harmful Publications: Sharing explicit or immoral content involving children is forbidden, and Forced Marriage: This practice is categorised as a harmful traditional practice, Female Genital Mutilation: Governed under the VAPP Law, this practice is also prohibited.”
Thus, she urged community leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to establish policies or by-laws that promote child welfare.
Amina recommended the creation of a “Child Protection Implementation Committee” to oversee the consistent application of the law.
On his part, the Principal of Government Girls Day Secondary School, Gyamas, Muhammed Shuaibu praised the groups for enhancing awareness of the Child Protection Law.
He admitted his previous ignorance of the law and requested that it be simplified for broader distribution in schools.
Earlier, when the Young Leaders Network visited the Emir of Dass, Bilyaminu Othman, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the girl-child education and protecting children’s rights within his domain.
According to him, he will strengthen enforcement of the Child Rights Act, particularly to prevent forced marriages.
