Breaking News:
The federal government has taken a significant step towards addressing concerns surrounding minors arraigned in connection with the End Bad governance protests. The government has intervened to prevent the prosecution of minors with N10m bail grant for each of the children involved in the case.
However, it would be recalled that the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act is a federal law in Nigeria that protects minors. This act aims to ensure that minors are safeguarded from exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Additionally, the Child Rights Act of 2003 is a legal framework that advocates for the welfare and protection of children in Nigeria.
This law ensures that the best interest of the child is considered paramount in every action concerning a Nigerian child. The Act is 230 pages long and contains 278 different sections.
*Part I* of the Act mandates that when a child is concerned, their best interest should take precedence. It also states that the parent or legal guardian is obligated to fulfil the duty to give the child basic protection.
*Part II* specifies that the Article IV of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution and any other federal law that details fundamental rights should be seen as being part of the Act.
This article details the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities of children. It also states specific rights for children, including the right to survival, a name, family life, private life, dignity, recreation, cultural activities, health services, and education.
*Part III* discusses the ways in which a child shall be protected. These include protection from child marriage as well as the punishments for the act to the adult parties involved. Other protections include not being harmed (including being marked with tattoos) or from sexual violence, being shielded from exploitative labour, or being enlisted in any military operation.
*Part IV* lists the reasons when a child assessment order may be sought as well as the reasons and duration which emergency protection orders shall be given to a child. It also made clear the obligations of a government when it is disclosed that a child is being harmed.
*Part V* indicates the circumstances in which a child shall be brought to court in order to determine if they need protection. This part also stipulates the type of person who shall be allowed to make such a decision using the guidelines detailed in this section.
*Part VI* enumerates the ways and manner in which a court must proceed after a child assessment order is made.
*Part VII* allows for the court to use paternity tests in order to make decisions in civil proceedings when it is unclear who the parents of a child are.
*Part VIII* shows how decisions should be made about custody of a child.
*Part IX* details who is allowed guardianship and the ways in which guardianship may be transferred from one adult to another over a child, etc.
Can it be said that the FG is demonstrating a commitment to upholding juvenile rights and protecting the future. This development comes after widespread outrage and calls for justice following the arrest and arraignment of minors. The government’s response is a step towards ensuring justice for all.
For more updates on this developing story, visit (dazzlenews.com.ng)
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