By Jude Opara
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Thursday called on religious and traditional leaders in the country to always protect the rights of children to be heard and be protected.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, made the call when the Commission went on an outreach programme at the Government Senior Secondary School, Pegi, in the Kuje Area Council of Abuja. The theme of the event was, “Empowering Kuje’s Children to Promote and Protect Their Rights.”
Ojukwu who was represented by Director Women and Children Department, Dr. Ngozi Okere also called for stronger community participation in promoting and protecting the rights of children across the country.
The NHRC boss said children were not passive beneficiaries of rights but “rights holders” entitled to survival, protection, education, participation and dignity under Nigerian and international laws.
He further explained that the sensitization programme was designed not as a one-off event but as a platform to equip residents with practical knowledge to continue promoting children’s rights in homes, schools, worship centres and community gatherings.
He urged children to freely ask questions and speak up, while also encouraging adults to listen to them.
Ojukwu however regretted that despite protections provided by the Nigerian Constitution, the Child Rights Act 2003, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, many children still suffer abuses including neglect, violence, child labour, early marriage, female genital mutilation, infanticide and exclusion from decisions affecting them.
According to him, the NHRC cannot protect children’s rights alone, stressing that meaningful and lasting change must be driven by communities.
“Lasting change happens in communities, through people who know the context, speak the language, and hold influence at the local level. That is why this programme is structured as community-led action,” he said.
Ojukwu explained that when children understand their rights, they can confidently speak out against abuse, while informed parents and teachers can serve as protectors rather than barriers.
He added that the involvement of traditional and religious leaders would help weaken harmful cultural practices and strengthen accountability within communities.
The NHRC boss said the sensitization programme was designed not as a one-off event but as a platform to equip residents with practical knowledge to continue promoting children’s rights in homes, schools, worship centres and community gatherings.
He urged children to freely ask questions and speak up, while also encouraging adults to listen to them.
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