As we mark the Day of the African Child, SOS Children’s Villages urges decision-makers to guarantee a Zero-tolerance approach towards child rights violations. SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria calls for more investment by governments as duty bearers, to ensure that children in Africa have access to protection, justice and equal opportunity.
According to the Federal Ministry of Women′s Affairs and Social Development (Nigeria). 2008. Key Findings Situation Assessment and Analysis on OVC; The number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Nigeria is estimated at 17.5 million. The level of poverty, conflicts and injustice in Nigeria put the future of many children in jeopardy; Children without parental care or at risk of losing it are the most vulnerable and face a heightened risk of violence, abuse, and neglect. With so many challenges, their development is stunted, which hampers their future. They cannot grow up to become self-reliant and active citizens.
“We call on Governments to put the inherent rights of children high on their political agenda and take commitment to provide the resources required to support children with quality care and the protection needed for their safety and security as provided by the African charter of child rights. The long term impact of these measures can help address the rising issues of radicalisation, migration and unemployment on the continent and thus, help countries to better provide quality care for their children,” said Eghosa Erhumwunse, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria
As we mark, the Day of the African Children, focusing on accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunity by 2030, SOS Children’s Villages will focus on the most vulnerable children who are at the heart of its Strategy 2030, with the central message: ‘No child should grow up alone’. The strategy directly relates to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in key areas such as poverty, inequality, education, health, social and child safeguarding, and decent work.
“To make the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 a reality, scaling-up access to education, health care and equal opportunity cannot wait. More importantly, we need to invest on children today, if they are counted, we can know how many of them are most vulnerable and at risk. Every African child deserves quality care and to grow up in a safe environment” says Eghosa Erhumwunse, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria.
