The child rights NGO Stepping Stones Nigeria[i] (SSN) has congratulated the Nigerian government on its ratification of the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography,[ii] which took place on 27th September 2010. This Protocol is supplementary to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child,[iii] which Nigeria ratified in 1991.
By ratifying the Protocol, Nigeria has undertaken to prohibit the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, to criminalise such acts and to prosecute and punish any offenders, including the seizure of any proceeds. Nigeria has also undertaken to ensure that children who are the victims of being sold, trafficked, or being used as prostitutes or in child pornography are supported and that their rights and interests are protected, including appropriate training for professionals who work with children. In addition, the Protocol requires that Nigeria cooperates effectively with other countries to end these practices.
Gary Foxcroft, Programme Director of SSN, said “The Optional Protocol is a key piece of international legislation for the protection of child rights. We are delighted that Nigeria has chosen to ratify this Protocol, as it will help to protect Nigerian children from being trafficked, from being sexually abused as prostitutes or from being used in pornography. This action by Nigeria clearly supports the steps that the country has already taken to stamp out such horrific practices and to uphold children’s rights within Nigeria.”
Dr Emilie Secker, Advocacy and Research Officer of SSN, added “Child trafficking is a huge problem within Nigeria, and the ratification of this Protocol clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian government to overcoming this. Stepping Stones Nigeria would like to offer the Nigerian government any help and support that we can to make sure that this Protocol is quickly and effectively implemented.”
[i] Stepping Stones Nigeria works with Nigerian partner organisations to provide accommodation, education, literacy, food, healthcare and hope for a better future to vulnerable children including so-called ‘witches’ and ‘wizards’ of the Niger Delta. Through advocacy and research, they campaign for an end to child witchcraft stigmatisation and work to inspire others working on similar issues to fight for the rights of vulnerable children and adults at risk of abuse. Stepping Stones Nigeria is a registered charity in England and Wales – No. 1112476.
[ii] The full text of the Protocol is available at http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc-sale.htm
[iii] The text of the Convention is available at http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm
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