From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Ahead of the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled for November 7-8, 2024, in Bogotá, Colombia, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Federal Government of Nigeria held a crucial national preparatory meeting to come up with Nigeria’s commitment statement that will be presented in Bogota, Colombia next month during the conference.
The event held in Abuja was to address the alarming rates of violence against children in Nigeria, where one in four children has experienced severe abuse, according to a 2014 survey.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including government officials and child representatives, to evaluate progress and strengthen commitments towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16.2.
UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager, Mona Aika, underscored the critical role of child participation in shaping Nigeria’s contributions to the upcoming Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.
According to her, as a Pathfinder+ country, Nigeria has committed to accelerating efforts to combat violence against children, ensuring that the voices of children and key stakeholders are integral to this process.
She said the National Preparatory Meeting serves as a platform for reviewing progress and challenges while charting a path forward.
It aims to align Nigeria’s strategies with global commitments, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to creating a protective environment for children and enhancing their well-being, Aika explained.
She added that according to the Global Status Report (2020), a staggering 60% of children in Nigeria experience some form of violence before reaching adulthood, which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The report reveals that 50% of children have reported experiencing physical violence, although many incidents go unreported. This alarming data highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect children and address the pervasive culture of violence affecting their lives in Nigeria.
Earlier, UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist, Godwin Odo over 60 children contributed to a charter of demands during a special session in August.
The conference will be co-hosted by Colombia and Sweden, alongside organizations like WHO and UNICEF, focusing on sharing best practices and fostering global commitments to end violence against children.
Presentations made from Ministeries of Women Affairs, Justice, Education, Budget and National Planning and Health and Social Welfare.