The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has called on states to domesticate the Child Rights Acts to help end violence against children. ...
CCN President, Rev Fubara Manuel made the call on Monday in Jos while briefing newsmen as part of activities to mark UNICEF week on enlightenment on ending violence against children.
Manuel who spoke through CCN General Secretary Rev. Ibrahim Wushishi said that Child Rights Acts was passed in some state but it was domesticated to make functional.
The president said that one in three children suffers from one form of violence or the other.
He said such has led to the collaboration between UNICEF and the Christian Council of Nigeria to end violence against children in all its forms .”
“The plight of children is a reality that is often relegated to the background of the list of priorities of government and religious communities.
“This is partly because children cannot speak for themselves and partly because of the ignorance that has overtaken various aspects of leadership in the Church and society today.
“We regret this as Christians and affirm rather that care for children is no mere addition to our creeds but it is an essential dimension to our being and calling as the people of God.”
Manuel stated that Church was no longer satisfied with providing Sunday school spaces for our children and giving teachers to them alone.
According to him, they are now committed directly, personally and communally to their lives as parents, promoting practices and establishing institutions that would allow them flourish in all ways
“We live in a world where it is no longer a shame for some men to rape infant girl for ritual and selfish purposes.
“The CCN has declared this week as a week of sensitization on ending violence against children.
“It is a sensitization for all in the religious communities in all its forms by this we reject child neglect, child exploitation, child abuse, child trafficking and all shades of violence against children,” he added.
He also called on all religious leaders and everyone to join hands with us and urged all churches to prioritize this in their liturgy and join us in ending violence against children.
The President announced that the sensitization would take place in Lagos ,Cross River ,Plateau and Gombe states.
“We shall engage in mass street rallies and meet with significant political and government figures who can initiate positive changes in this regard ” he further said
Rev Ephraim Yakubu, State Coordinator of the enlightenment programme promised that they would take the message to the nooks and crannies of the state.
(NAN)
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