OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO
The Federal Government has been called upon to ensure full enforcement and domestication of the Child Rights Act(CRA)to discourage child trafficking in the country.
This call was made by Mrs. Uche Chigbo, Founder/Chief Executive Officer,(CEO)Peace, Health, Environment, Water and against Human Trafficking (PHEW) Foundation International in Warri, she said that the development would help to achieve the protection of the rights of the Nigerian child against abuse and exploitation in the society.
It could be recalled that about eleven(11)States in the country are yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act(CRA)that was adopted by the Federal Government in 2003 to guarantee the rights of children.
Mrs. Chigbo said that children were more vulnerable and at risk of being trafficked and used for child labor, domestic servitude and other forms of exploitations.
“According to her, “to reduce or completely eradicate child trafficking, government need to enforce the Child’s Right Act to protect children against exploitations.The victims of child trafficking are between the ages of 11 and 18.”
Mrs. Chigbo added, “government should adopt poverty eradication strategies by way of creating employment to engage the youth and adult to eliminate poverty. There is also the need to intensify sensitisation of both children and parents on the need to live within their means.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation disclosed that child trafficking had negative impact on the economy noting that victims were denied right to education or skill acquisitions.
Mrs. Chigbo further disclosed that trafficking was on the decrease due to the establishment of government interventionist agencies like the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and others.
She spoke further, “child trafficking is on the down ward slide due to the intervention of several NGO’s and government agencies, adding, “but a lot still need to be done in the aspect of funding and creating an enabling environment for the NGO’s to operate.”
Mrs. Chigbo noted further that her Foundation which came into existence in 2018 had done a lot of sensitisation at the grassroot and in schools with the aim of working to change the mindset of the youths.
The Founder of PHEW Foundation International said, “we have carried out several skills training for youth such as electrical and solar system installation, tailoring. We have planted trees to help protect the environment.We have also empowered women with foodstuffs, carried out sensitization on proper waste management and campaign against child trafficking amongst others.”
