A cross-section of school children and human rights activists in Ebonyi State have called on the state government to strengthen the laws and policies against child labour, early marriage, defilement and other forms of abuse against children in the state.
They made the call during a sensitization programme in commemoration of the World Human Rights Day held at Born Great International School, Ohatekwe Ishieke, Ebonyi State.
The sensitisation programme was organised by the National Association of Seadogs, (Pyrates Confraternity) Aqua Saporita Deck (Ebonyi State) in collaboration with Americana 1 Deck (Houston, Texas Chapter ) and Born Great International School.
The topic of the sensitization programme is “Children’s Rights and Human Rights Education: Engaging Secondary School Students In Awareness and Advocacy.”
One of the students, Miss Silas Chioma, said that child labour remains a pervasive problem in Ebonyi State, adding that one of the major challenges in curbing child labour is the lack of enforcement of the laws and policies against the act.
“When you visit the international market, Kpirikpiri market, Ahia-ofu among others, you will see hundreds of school children pushing wheelbarrow, many hawking while others engage in other hard jobs when they are supposed to be in school.
“To combat child labour effectively, it is essential to address the root causes of the problem which includes providing education and vocational training to children, empowerment and ensure law enforcement and policy implementation to prevent the act,” she said.
In his presentation, the executive director, Human Rights and Conflicts Resolution Center, Abakaliki, Mr. George Etamesor, said that many cultural practices in the state hinders some children from acquiring basic education.
“It is disheartening that a girl mistakenly gets pregnant, she drops out of school while the boy who puts her in a family way continues his education. It’s high time we put a stop to such practice,” he said.
He advised parents, especially those in the rural communities, to desist from forcing their girl child into early marriage.
“We must campaign against the current trend of many pastors labelling children witches and subject them to all manner of abuse, humiliation, other inhumane treatments and many more.
“We have had cases where children are disfigured, brutalized and sometimes killed while undergoing corporal punishment. We must adopt other ways of punishing children in our schools,” he added.
Another resource person, a human right activist and chairman Izzi local government area of the state, Barr. Steve Nwakpa advised parents to always ascertain the well-being of their children and the wards they gave out to people.
“Our girls must learn to always report any inordinate advances made towards them by their male counterparts. By so doing, we will reduce the cases of defilement against the girl child,” he said.
The president, National Association of Seadogs, (Pyrates Confraternity) Aqua Saporita Deck (Ebonyi State), Prince Chidi Alor said that the organisation is committed to the promotion of justice, human right and equity.
He expressed regret that many children today face barriers caused by poverty, lack of access to education, and discrimination and assured that the association would continue to channel its resources towards the education of young minds about their rights. Ends.
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