The Child Rights ACT (CRA) 2003 was first presented to the House of Assembly 17 years ago. Save the Children urges the remaining State Governments of the Federation to take similar bold steps in domesticating the CRA 2003, a comprehensive legal instrument for the protection of the rights of a child

Save the Children International Nigeria commends the Katsina State House of Assembly for passing the Child Protection Bill on 25th November 2020, almost 17 years after the Child Rights Act (2003) was first presented to the House to be domesticated.

Purity Oriaifo, Girl Champion, Save the Children International Nigeria said, “I am overwhelmed with joy. I am happy because this anticipated news is giving us full assurance and hope for a better Nigeria. I am pleased to witness the eyes of our leaders being opened to see the reason why every last child should be protected and not left behind.”

Maryam Ahmed, Youth Ambassador, Save the Children International Nigeria, said, “the passing of the Child Protection Bill in Katsina State is a key first step to stopping the war on children. I commend the State House of Assembly for being champions on protecting the rights and welfare of children. I hope the Bill will be properly implemented in the State to help in providing a favourable environment in which children can realize and release their full potentials.”

Mercy Gichuhi, Country Director, Save the Children International Nigeria said, “we celebrate the decision made by the Katsina State House of Assembly for passing the Child Protection Bill that ensures the rights of Katsina State children are protected, respected and fulfilled. Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria appreciates all members of the Katsina State House of Assembly and calls on all remaining State House of Assemblies to follow suit. I would like to urge the executive arm, agencies, ministries and bureaus in Katsina State to demonstrate their commitment towards the full implementation and ownership of the Bill.

The Bill has come to pass at a very critical time when there is an increase in number of sexual abuse, molestation and violence, including rape, early child and forced marriage, child labour and trafficking, which make children feel unsafe, unprotected and experience different forms of trauma. However, I am confident that the implementation of the Child Protection Bill will be instrumental in ending such violations of the rights of every child in Katsina state.”

SCI Nigeria has been leading an advocacy and campaign towards the domestication of CRA 2003 in Katsina State for several years together with its partner organizations, CSOs, child champions, community, religious and traditional leaders, and in the last couple of years in particular through a Project called “Better Life for Girls.” We worked closely with the Children’s Parliament in the State, and SCI is glad to see the role that children played in the process leading up to the passing of this bill. It further demonstrates how far children can go if they are given opportunities to express themselves and speak up for the issues that concern them.

Save the Children International Nigeria will continue its collaboration and partnership with State parties involved in the domestication process of the Bill for its proper rollout and implementation.

Save the Children is a leading child rights organization headquartered in the UK with offices in over 120 countries around the world. Since our founding 100+1 years ago, we have changed the lives of more than one billion children. In Nigeria and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We believe that every child deserves a future and we work every day including times of crisis to ensure the future of every child is secure. We work with partners to help governments identify and scale up innovations to ensure that children survive, learn, and are protected.

For further information and interview requests, please contact:

Kunle Olawoyin, Save the Children International Nigeria, Information and Communication Coordinator, Kunle.Olawoyin@savethechildren.org Telephone: +234 802 368 4903