UNICEF is among the most recognised social welfare organizations in the world.
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
UNICEF has appealed to the Nigerian authorities for the immediate signing of the handover protocol so that children caught in the web of conflict can swiftly access the psychosocial, medical and educational support they need.
The UNICEF Chief Maiduguri Field Officer , Ms. Phuong T. Nguyen who stated this on Monday in Maiduguri, said with support from government and other stakeholders, over 1,572 children have been released from the custody of the CJTF since 2017.
She, however, said: “But the reality today is that many girls and boys are still in custody of armed groups, abducted and used as soldiers,, spies, cooks and farmers.”
“Many girls have been forcefully married to their abductors, beaten, raped and violated in many ways unimaginable. In 2021, UNICEF with the support of partners, supported over 3000 children with skills and reunified them with their families.
” UNICEF will continue to work with the Borno State Government, through the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and other stakeholders to give more girls and boys a chance to survive , dream and thrive”.
“UNICEF calls for action to stop the use of child soldiers , negotiate their release and support their reintegration into their communities and the prevention of recruitment and re-recruitment of chicken,” Nguyen said.
She called on all stakeholders to work together to stamp out the recruitment and use of children as child soldiers.
The UNICEF Maiduguri Field Officer added that the right place of children is to be in their homes, schools and communities and not in the bush and certainly not on the the battle ground.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Alhaji Mohammed Hamza, called for action to stop the use of children in armed conflict by armed groups and provide support for children affected by the Boko Haram insurgency
He also urged all stakeholders and partners including NGOs, CSOs, NLC, parents and guardians as well as communities and religious leaders to put concerted efforts towards peace building , conflict prevention and prohibition of any forced recruitment or conscription of children under 18 years.
Also, The Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Major General Chris G Musa, commended the organizers and supporters for organizing the event as symbol of honour and regard for the child while emphasizing on the need for de-radicalization of the children before reintegration.
He also sympathized with the children describing them as victims of circumstances while condemning the recruitment of th. Hold soldiers.
Maj. Gen. Chris, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, 7 Division, NA Headquarters Maiduguri, Brigadier General Sadisu Yakasai, stressed the need for thorough rehabilitation of the children and proper care to change their life to become future leaders of tomorrow by providing them with the necessary facilities and opportunities in the society.
He also explained the role Nigerian Army has played in the fight against the Insurgency and efforts made to checkmate the activities of the insurgents , especially, in conscription and use of the children as child soldiers.
Also, The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Jere LGC, Commander, Abbati Isal, said in September 2017, the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR) in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners have signed an Action Plan with the CJTF to put an end to child recruitment and use.
He added that with the support of the CTFMR and Borno state Ministry of Justice (MOJ), “CJTF took significant steps to put an end to the practices while significant progress has been made by the CJTF in implementing the Action Plan including Standing Orders to all Commanders and their Sectors to stop recruiting children and the separation of 2,203 children comprising 363 girls, 1,840 boys from the armed groups rank and file resulting in the delisting of th group by the Secretary General from the annexes of the Secretary General Annual Reports on CAAC”, he said.
Abbati also said the CJTF has establish a child protection units in all sector and introduce a Disciplinary Committee to deal with issues relating to any deviation from the standing order reflecting the commitment of the CJTF to continue to ensure that all members and commanders respect the rights of children in the communities they serve .
He commended the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, UNICEF and other partners for their initiatives, efforts and commitments to support the noble cause of stopping recruitment of child soldiers .
Highlights of the event include group photographs, presentation of Red Hands, experiences of beneficiaries and goodwill messages from stakeholders and partners among others
