The immediate past Director General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies , Abuja, and a distinguished Professor of Law, Professor Muhammad Tawfiq Ladan, has underscored the constitutional responsibility of governments at all levels to promote and protect children against all forms of human rights violations, exploitation, abuse, neglect, violence, and discrimination.
Professor Ladan made this remark today at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual National Conference held at the Enugu International Conference Centre, where he emphasized that the primary purpose of government at all levels of governance is to protect children’s rights.
According to Professor Ladan, governments must invest in a child-friendly justice system in Nigeria. He outlined key strategies to achieve this, including strengthening child-friendly infrastructure, implementing comprehensive training for justice professionals, mobilizing resources for implementation, and promoting community and inter-sectoral approaches for prevention and support.
Professor Ladan specifically highlighted the need for well-equipped spaces for children, training for professionals, and sufficient funding to translate policies into practice. He noted that UNICEF and the EU are already working towards this goal.
To strengthen infrastructure and services, Prof. Ladan suggested developing child-friendly spaces and providing legal aid and access to justice services for child survivors of violence.
He also emphasized the need to enhance capacity and training for professionals involved in the child justice system, including police, judges, and social workers. This can be achieved through comprehensive training programs and the development of child-friendly manuals and informational materials.
Furthermore, Prof. Ladan stressed the importance of improving legal and policy frameworks, promoting inter-sectoral collaboration, and ensuring resource mobilization and awareness. He called for the implementation of child-friendly legislation, strengthening institutional capacities, and fostering close cooperation between relevant sectors.
The distinguished Law Professor also highlighted the need to focus on alternatives to detention, such as non-custodial measures and community-based approaches. This, he said, would help keep children out of detention facilities and provide them with the support and rehabilitation they need.
By implementing these strategies, Prof. Ladan believes that Nigeria can make significant progress in promoting and protecting children’s rights. He emphasized the need for governments to prioritize the welfare and protection of children, and to work towards creating a child-friendly justice system that supports their development and well-being.
The professor concluded that with these strategies in place, Nigeria can better protect its children and ensure they receive the support and care they deserve.
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