The Jalingo branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Taraba State, has emphasized the imperative of protecting and promoting children’s rights to ensure a brighter future for the younger generation.
Speaking during an interactive session in commemoration of this year’s World Children Day, with children drawn from various secondary schools within Jalingo metropolis, the NBA called on the state government and other stakeholders to listen to the voices of children and prioritize their needs.
The event was organized by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Jalingo, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The NBA Jalingo branch Chairman, Martin Milkman speaking at the session, underscored the critical role of education, care, and protection in shaping the future of youth in the country.
Milkman stressed that understanding the fundamental rights of children and enforcing those rights is essential for children’s growth and development, asserting that “every human being is entitled to these rights, and children in particular are entitled to more protection than adults.”
The NBA branch chairman highlighted statutes dealing with the rights of children, as contained in Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act, adding that teachers, caregivers, and others in positions of authority must respect these rights.
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“Every child has a right to free and compulsory education, to recreational facilities, and to special protection where necessary,” Milkman stated.
He encouraged children to report any violation of their rights to trusted individuals or organizations equipped to advocate on their behalf.
However, Milkman reminded the children that while they are entitled to these rights, parental guidance remains essential, assuring them that the law prioritizes children’s welfare because they cannot always protect themselves.
Some of the children who sought clarifications on how to exercise their rights, applauded the NBA for taking time to educate them on their various rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act.
