The Lagos State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children’s rights from the impacts of climate change. This pledge was made during the 2024 World Children’s Day celebration held in Lagos on Tuesday.
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, emphasized the significance of the global event in uniting leaders to safeguard children’s rights. Ogunlende reiterated the state’s dedication to ensuring children’s survival, development, and active participation in matters affecting them. “The Ministry remains committed to upholding the Child Rights Law of Lagos State for the benefit of all children,” he stated, while also expressing gratitude to UNICEF for its continuous support in capacity building for social welfare officers.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office for South-West Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, highlighted the alarming findings of the Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), which ranks Nigeria among the top three nations where children are most at risk from climate change. She warned that climate change exacerbates issues like malnutrition, displacements, and reduced access to health, education, and clean water. “Over 100 million Nigerian children face increased exposure to extreme weather events that threaten their fundamental rights,” Lafoucriere said.
Lafoucriere called for urgent, collaborative efforts to combat climate change, suggesting solutions like circular economies and community-driven climate actions. She stressed the need to create a safer, healthier environment for children to thrive. “Child rights are human rights, and upholding them is essential for building a better future,” she added.
The event also underscored UNICEF’s ongoing mission to advocate for children’s rights, including access to education, legal protection, and health in a sustainable environment. Lafoucriere reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to partnering with governments, private sectors, and young people to ensure a secure future for children.
World Children’s Day, celebrated annually, marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and serves as a global platform for advancing child-centered action and advocacy. The Lagos celebration exemplified the shared resolve to address climate change and its impact on children in Nigeria.
