By Shola Abayomi.
In celebration of Nigeria’s Children’s Day, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has introduced “For every child, every right’’ campaign aimed at drawing awareness to children’s rights by all Nigerians.
The UNICEF’s new Country Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, disclosed that child rights will only be fully achieved when every government and every citizen is aware of and upholds children’s rights and every child can claim those rights.
Mr Hawkins further explained that this year’s children’s day came at a crucial moment for child’s right in the country and globally.
“While there have been many advances over the last years, children in Nigeria are still not accessing health, nutrition, education and other rights.
“Sadly, it is the most disadvantaged children who are suffering the greatest challenge in having their rights fulfilled.
“Nigeria’s Children’s Day 2019 falls during the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which is being commemorated this year around the world,” he said.
The UNICEF’s Country Rep also stated that the organisation will likewise, inaugurate “Passport to Your Right’’ (a copy of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, CRC), in child friendly languages, and in pocket format, as part of the celebrations of CRC @30.
“As part of the celebrations, UNICEF is launching a `Passport to Your Rights’ – a copy of the CRC in child-friendly language, in pocket format.
“The CRC ‘passport’ will also be available in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin languages, helping to ensure access by millions of Nigerians.“
According to Mr Hawkins, UNICEF aims that every child in Nigeria has a copy by 2030, the deadline for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).