Protecting Children from Violence in Nigeria

The role of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (UN SRSG) on Violence Against Children is pivotal in global advocacy and policy development aimed at ending all forms of violence against children. This mandate includes addressing issues ranging from physical and psychological abuse to exploitation and neglect, with an overarching focus on building frameworks that ensure children are free from violence in both domestic and institutional contexts.  The UN SRSG’s advocacy underscores the importance of comprehensive legal and policy frameworks that protect children across all settings. It encourages countries to develop protective mechanisms that prioritise minors’ rights, safety, and rehabilitation. Emphasising the lasting impact of violence on children’s mental health and development, the UNSRSG highlights how children’s exposure to violence, whether state-sanctioned or otherwise, leaves deep, often irreversible impacts on mental health and development, with long-term consequences for society at large.

During the first global ministerial conference on ending violence against children in Bogotá, Colombia, leaders from over 100 countries shared their actions to protect children’s rights. The SRSG’s mandate provides crucial insights for nations like Nigeria, where systems for protecting vulnerable minors remain inadequately aligned with international child protection standards. The charging of several minors with treason in the country highlights both the urgency of protecting children in conflict with the law and the need for a recalibrated approach to juvenile justice in Nigeria.

The charges, reportedly connected to youth involvement in protests and political dissent, reveal a concerning trend towards criminalising juvenile political participation. Charging minors with treason not only places them in a precarious legal situation but also exposes them to the possibility of harsh penalties within a criminal justice system that lacks child-specific protections. This approach stands in stark contrast to global best practices, which prioritise rehabilitation and psychosocial support over punitive measures for minors, especially in political or conflict settings.

While Nigeria has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and passed the Child Rights Act (CRA), implementation gaps remain significant. As of December 28, 2023, all Nigerian states have adopted the CRA. However, implementation and enforcement of these laws remain to be seen. Existing juvenile justice structures often treat minors in a manner inconsistent with their developmental needs, with many juveniles subjected to the same detention conditions as adults. Furthermore, resources for psychological rehabilitation, legal representation, and social reintegration of children in conflict with the law are limited, exposing minors to harmful environments that only exacerbate trauma and hinder social reintegration.

To protect children effectively, Nigeria must prioritise comprehensive reforms that align juvenile justice systems with international standards and the SRSG’s recommendations.  Federal and state governments should expedite the domestication and implementation of the CRA, which provides the legal basis for protecting children’s rights in alignment with international standards. This would help prevent the criminalisation of minors and ensure that protections are extended uniformly across all regions of the country.

Nigeria must invest in expanding the network of specialised juvenile courts with trained personnel who understand child rights and developmental psychology. Such courts would provide minors with an environment that prioritises their rehabilitation and recognises the developmental differences between minors and adults. Something is currently lacking in the country, exemplified by the holding of minors in Kuje maximum prison in the same cells as adults.

Additionally, civil society organisations, in partnership with the UN SRSG, should intensify advocacy efforts to educate communities and authorities about children’s rights. Greater public awareness would reduce societal tolerance for violence against children and foster a protective environment. Nigeria must also invest in support services for minors who encounter the justice system. This includes access to mental health resources, legal aid, and educational support, which are critical for the holistic rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law. Importantly, a system that ensures accountability for the mistreatment of minors within the legal system is crucial. By establishing monitoring bodies that work closely with organisations like UNICEF and the UN SRSG, Nigeria can ensure that children’s rights are protected consistently across legal, social, and community levels.

Nigeria’s treatment of minors accused of treason underscores the pressing need for reform in child protection and juvenile justice. Implementing the recommendations of the UN SRSG on Violence Against Children would be a meaningful step toward ensuring that Nigerian children are protected from violence and treated in a manner that supports their development and reintegration into society.