Advocating for the Protection of Rights of Children and Women in Nigeria: An Appraisal

Nneka Umejiaku

doi:10.2478/jles-2020-0011

Abstract

Abstract The protection of children and women in Nigeria is very critical because their integration in every sphere is a precedent to the growth and development of nations. However, they face diverse discrimination and violence because they are very vulnerable. The object of this study is to examine the rights of children and women by x-raying the various legal and institutional frameworks that provide for their rights, as well as dangers posed by taking their rights for granted. The work analyses factors that inhibit their protection and proffers a viable solution. In this paper, we adopt the doctrinal and empirical methods of legal research. The study discovers that despite a legion of legislation, children and women are exposed to many factors such as legal, social, economic, and obnoxious cultural practices. Further, the work reveals that inherent lapses are visible in our legal framework particularly the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Child‘s Rights Act and other relevant legislation. Accordingly, the work recommends for the eradication of factors that promote child and women abuse and review of relevant laws. The work further recommends for a serious synergy between the government and non-governmental organizations for the protection of children and women.

Highlights

The human rights of women and children are germane in recent times because of their critical role in the development of nations
A nation began to recognize the human rights of children, Jean Valles attempted to establish a league for the protection of child's rights in the aftermath of the Paris Committee [9]
With respect to legal factors, the work observed that there are lapses inherent in our laws that jeopardize the rights of women and children and calls for urgent review in order to protect the rights of women

Summary

Introduction

The human rights of women and children are germane in recent times because of their critical role in the development of nations. N., (2020) Advocating for the protection of rights of children and women in Nigeria: An appraisal adolescence, they are forced into prostitution, trafficking, early marriage and rape. A nation began to recognize the human rights of children, Jean Valles attempted to establish a league for the protection of child's rights in the aftermath of the Paris Committee [9]. By February 28, 1924, Umejiaku, N., (2020) Advocating for the protection of rights of children and women in Nigeria: An appraisal the code, known as the Declaration of Geneva, was signed and tagged the Declaration [12] of the rights of the child. Apart from these two legislations, there are many which, some, would be discussed in this work

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Findings

Conclusions