Citation

Okwudili O. Niger. Pop. 1993; ePub(ePub): 15-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Dept of Community Development and Population Activities, Fed. Min. of Health and Services)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12318617

Abstract

The 1991 African charter and the 1990 UN convention on the rights of the child have had an impact on efforts by Nigeria to legally protect the welfare of children. The African Charter and the international community are particularly concerned about legally protecting the best interests of children accused or found guilty of breaking the law: recognizing a legal age of responsibility for infringements of the penal code, separating a child, deprived of liberty from imprisoned adults when it is in the child's interests, and applying separate laws, procedures, authorities, and institutions for children. The African charter also seeks to shield children from environmental adversity and exploitation in employment or jobs that interfere with health and formal education. It is illegal to use children for begging, to abduct children, or to traffic in the sale of children by any person, including parents or legal guardians. Children are to be protected from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in prostitution, pornographic activities, and coercion to perform sexual acts. Declines in infant mortality, elimination of diseases and malnutrition, and provision of education, particularly for female children and the gifted and the disadvantaged, are recommended. Pregnant adolescents should have access to education during and after the pregnancy. Protection is also sought from narcotic drug production, use, and trafficking, child marriage, and child abuse and torture, and participation in armed conflicts. Children are to be protected upon dissolution of marriage and in adoption. Children need to be assured the right to play and recreation. Nigeria has taken steps to implement fully the provisions of the convention, and to integrate the provisions within the existing Children and Young Persons Laws. The provisions will be integrated by the Department of Social Welfare of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Services. More punitive enforcement measures will be included in the new legislation. A national committee was established to oversee the process of implementation. While legislation is pending, a Nigerian Trust Fund to ensure the welfare of the Nigerian child has been set up and will be operating soon. The Federal Ministry of Health has since 1987 been active in primary health care and child survival efforts.

Language: en