In Nigeria, the issue of violence against children has reached critical proportions, with a shocking six out of every ten children experiencing some form of violence before they turn 18. This disturbing reality highlights a significant human rights crisis that needs urgent attention. In an attempt to significantly put an end to violence against children, The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with UNICEF, convened a National Preparatory Meeting, the meeting gave room for a Children’s Consultative Session that brought together children who are the main stakeholders under various organizations to share their perspective on Violence Against Children (VAC) and to seek their perspectives on possible ways to combat such violations.
The Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI), recognized as a leading organization advocating against violence towards the Almajiri and out-of-school children, played a significant role in the recent session. Representing the Almajiri and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) WASA under ACRI Scholarship , Abduljabbar Ahmad, Salaudeen Musa, and Amadu Amina shared their personal experiences with violence and the harsh realities faced by vulnerable children in IDPs and Almajiri schools.. Their participation was not only enlightening but also crucial, as they brought forward the voices of two of the most affected communities. Through their testimonies, they highlighted the urgent need for focused interventions and reinforced the importance of giving marginalized children social inclusion and a platform to be heard.
Their participation symbolizes a significant step towards greater representation and inclusivity. It also marks a shift towards a more holistic approach to addressing violence against children, one that recognizes the unique challenges faced by the most vulnerable. However, representation alone is not enough. There must be a strong commitment to accountability, ensuring that the insights and recommendations provided by these children lead to concrete actions and follow-up measures. Almajiri and IDP children must be prioritized in the implementation of policies, and their protection should be a non-negotiable aspect of all child welfare initiatives.
As we look ahead to the Global Ministerial Conference in Colombia, there is an opportunity to galvanize international commitment to child protection. This conference represents a critical moment to unify global efforts, share best practices, and strengthen policies aimed at child protection. The participation of marginalized voices, such as those of the Almajiri and IDP children, underscores the importance of inclusive and comprehensive strategies. However, these efforts must be accompanied by rigorous accountability mechanisms to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind.
The 1st National Preparatory Meeting for the Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children, particularly the involvement of Almajiri children and a child from an IDP camps, serves as a powerful reminder that those most affected by violence must be at the center of our efforts. The Almajiri Child Rights Initiative remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.
ACRI sincerely appreciates the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, UNICEF, WHO, and other critical partners, stating that “their unwavering commitment to child development beams remarkable improvements to the future of Nigerian youths.”