Metro
UNICEF says 50% of Nigerian children go through violent experiences
Half of Nigerian children go through at least one violent experience according to findings of the 2014 Nigeria violence against children survey conducted by the National Population Commission with the support of the United Centres for Disease Control and UNICEF.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi, Abdulai Kaikai, when he spoke in Bauchi on Thursday at a media briefing to mark the 2017 edition of Children’s Day with the theme: “Child Protection and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Issues and Opportunities.”
According to Kaikai, the violence was common across the 36 states of Nigeria.
“According to the findings of the 2014 Nigeria violence against children survey conducted by the National Population Commission with the support of the United Centers for Disease Control and UNICEF, approximately six out of every 10 children also experience some form of violence.
“One in four girls and one in 10 boys experience sexual violence as well as one in six girls and one in five boys experience emotional violence by a parent, caregiver or adult relative,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders in the country to take action to end violence against children in the country, explaining that averting violence against children was not just a legal obligation and a moral imperative but that the failure to prevent it would lead to substantial economic loses (estimated at 2-8%GDP).
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Kaikai further said that ending violence against children had been associated to sustainable growth in the National Priority Agenda for Vulnerable Children 2013-2010 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
He added, “So on the occasion of this year’s Nigeria Children’s Day, all must take action to end violence against children.”
He said UNICEF was not going to stop its support for the government and all stakeholders to end violence against children, protect and realise their rights. He said rendering such support was consistent with the mandate given by UN General Assembly in 1946 when it voted to establish UNICEF as the agency for children.
This was even as the Senate on Thursday urged the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, to pursue the domestication of the Child Rights Acts in the 13 states that were yet to do so.
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Animashaun Ayodeji
May 26, 2017 at 12:59 pm
So, UNICEF is trying to say 50% of the total population of Nigeria went through violent as a child? They need to conduct their study again.m, that’s not true. Violent are on the high side this days because of the frustration we are facing in the country and sexual violence are only exaggerated in its report. Nigeria is not as mad as the report claims.
Abeni Adebisi
May 26, 2017 at 6:22 pm
Don tell deny the truth. This is what we see everyday and almost every children face it everyday. If you’ve not seen any, read or listen to news every day, you will know how real it is.
Joy Madu
May 27, 2017 at 5:29 am
True talk because violence has taking over this country all in the name of hardship and bad society at large
yanju omotodun
May 26, 2017 at 4:59 pm
The major thing is how can we curb this violence in Nigeria , it’s not helping the nation at all, what measures can we put in place, UNICEF should brainstorm on that
Anita Kingsley
May 26, 2017 at 6:18 pm
It’s a pity, UNICEF will not brainstorm on our behalf, it is our problem to solve, they can only support us if we’ve reach out to them. Meanwhile, the brainstorming can start from you.
yanju omotodun
May 26, 2017 at 7:25 pm
Yes
JOHNSON PETER
May 27, 2017 at 3:59 am
The harsh conditions the society found itself is an impetus to violence, when the government fails to deliver good governance, and poverty increases, there is no how we can be free from violence and insecurity
seyi jelili
May 27, 2017 at 4:03 am
You are right but yet resorting to violence can’t help us, especially the humiliations we ladies suffer in the society is lugubrious and it has to be ceased