The United Nations Children’s Fund on Friday called on stakeholders to promote the rights of the child in a bid to ensure their survival.
Olalekan Ajia, a Communication for Development Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, made the call in a paper he presented at the ongoing 11th All Nigerian Editors Conference in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Ajia said editors as important stakeholders should play vital roles in the campaign against violence on children.
Ajia noted that violence against children could be emotional, especially if it was used to ridicule them.
He said: “It also includes sexual abuse, whipping, beating with an object or threatening to use a gun/knife or any other weapon.
“The role of editor in this process is to enlighten the public, especially religious groups and parents in ensuring that the rights of the children are protected.
“Editors can mobilise and educate community leaders in respect of this.
“The editor should always assign capable reporters to investigate and write a series of reports to protect the rights of the child.”
Ajia urged religious leaders to focus on teaching children the appropriate attitude.
He said: “On the child rights Act in Nigeria, I must say that the child rights act is only effective in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“The Federal Government should strengthen the law strongly in all states of the federation because children are gifts from God and we must protect them.”
He, then, called on the editors to redouble their efforts because they are the major stakeholders in the promotion of the rights of the child.
“You know the children cannot speak up when their rights are violated, but you the media should always act as their mouth piece,” Ajia said.
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