Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting children’s rights and ending violence against them at the inaugural Global Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia. Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, led the Nigerian delegation, comprising 1,600 participants, 143 ministers, and 93 countries, with a pledge to drive transformative change.
The minister emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to accountability in ending violence against children under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She highlighted several children and women-oriented policies and steps taken by the Nigerian government, underscoring the need to accelerate child protection efforts.
According to UNICEF, six out of ten children in Nigeria suffer physical, sexual, or emotional violence before turning 18, with over 70% experiencing repeated violence. The Nigerian government has launched initiatives to address this issue, including the Year of Action and the Campaign to End Violence Against Children by 2030.
The Global Ministerial Conference serves as a critical platform for nations to unite against child violence, showcasing progress, announcing new commitments, and amplifying diverse voices. Participants pledged to prioritize child protection themes, acknowledging the high stakes in creating a safer future for the next generation.
Nigeria has made significant strides in combating child violence, with states like Lagos, Cross River, and Plateau launching campaigns and developing child protection systems. The government aims to make living conditions better for children, securing and investing in them as national treasures and future leaders.
The conference’s outcome underscores the importance of collective action in ending violence against children. With Nigeria’s renewed commitment, the country moves closer to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Target 16.2, which aims to end all forms of violence against children by 2030.
