To effectively implement the Delta State Child Rights Law of 2008 and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Child Protection Policy, the Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee (DSCRIC) has decided to constitute four critical committees; Advocacy, Education, Health, and Support Services Committees.
At yesterday’s meeting presided over by the chairman and permanent secretary of the Women Affairs Ministry, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, she said the committee had reached the threshold of driving down the essence of the Child Rights law to the grassroots, having efficiently inaugurated most of the local government Child Rights Implementation Committees.
Agas implored all the members present, including the Heads of Personnel Management of various LGAs to brace up to the challenges of resistance and unwilling witnesses in the fight against child abuse and prosecution of offenders.
As part of the way forward, the committee benchmarked certain child abuse cases orchestrated by poverty for evaluation and support.
One of such cases came from the report of Barr. Awele Ideal, representing FIDA and Comrade Patrick Ochei representing NUJ, to enjoy government’s support during the celebration of the 16 days activism against gender based violence, for which the concerned woman and her seven year old niece would be reached for financial empowerment, to enable her fend for her family and support the girl’s education.
Agas equally said that other parents or guardians of vulnerable children would be supported to prevent the children in their care from sliding into conflict with the law or being abused as a result of poverty.
Meanwhile, several child abuse cases ranging from child prostitution, defilement, child labour, etc were reported by field officers, for which the committee had decided to continue to pursue until justice is served.
However, Agas posited that even though the Child Rights Law of 2008 is being reviewed for amendment at the House of Assembly, the law remains indifferent to those who intentionally obstruct or pervert justice in child abuse-related cases.
She assured that parents, guardians, or stakeholders who usually stand in the way of justice can still be prosecuted and punished. She also maintained that the committee’s operations and actions must be in the best interest of the child.
