The United Nations Children’s Fund has urged stakeholders to strengthen efforts to promote and protect child rights in Gombe State, Bauchi State and Adamawa State.
The Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, made the call on Tuesday during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement in Gombe.
Rafique said child rights begin at birth, stressing the importance of birth registration, exclusive breastfeeding, access to quality healthcare, proper nutrition and basic education.
She noted that protecting children from all forms of harm is a fundamental responsibility of parents and caregivers.
According to her, children deserve care, dignity and respect, describing them as gifts and future leaders.
Rafique also encouraged parents to utilise locally available food options in preparing baby meals to help tackle malnutrition, a major contributor to child mortality.
Also speaking, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mrs Ladi Alabi, said child rights encompass a wide range of issues and urged stakeholders to fully understand and implement them to prevent violence and sexual abuse.
“Increased awareness is crucial to preventing violations of child rights. Stakeholders must remain committed to reducing such cases,” she said.
In his remarks, the District Head of Barunde-Kumo Community in Akko Local Government Area, Alhaji Idris Atiku, described the engagement as timely.
He commended the media for its role in raising awareness and pledged to cascade the message to the grassroots to boost community participation.
NAN
