SCI Applauds Zamfara State On Passing Of Child Protection Bill

Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria has commended the Zamfara State House of Assembly for passing the Child Protection Bill, almost 18 years after the Child Rights Act (2003) was first presented to the House to be domesticated.

The Child Protection Bill passed on August 16, 2022, which is the state’s version of the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003, is a comprehensive legal instrument for the protection of the rights of children.

Child Rights Act (2003) which defines a child as any person under the age of 18, guarantees the rights of all children in Nigeria.

In a statement, the director of advocacy, campaign, communication and media of SCI Nigeria, Amanuel Mamo, said the bill had come to pass at a very critical time when sexual abuse, molestation, rape, early child and forced marriage, child labour, kidnapping and trafficking were robbing the childhood of many boys and girls.

“We celebrate the decision made by the Zamfara State House of Assembly in passing the Child Protection Bill that ensures the rights of Zamfara State children are protected, respected and fulfilled,” he said.

He emphasised that the full implementation of the Child Protection Bill will be instrumental in ending such violations and abuse of the rights of every child in the state.