UNICEF has inaugurated a campaign to create awareness about the rights of children in Nigerian society.
The campaign tagged, “For every child, every right’’, is to draw attention to children’s right.
UNICEF’s new Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Peter Hawkins, made this known on Monday in a statement to commemorate the Children’s Day, observed annually on May 27.
Hawkins said that while there have been many innovations over the last few years, children in Nigeria were still not accessing health, nutrition, education and other amenities as they ought to.
“Sadly, it is the most disadvantaged children who are suffering the greatest challenge in having their rights fulfilled.”
This year’s Children’s Day falls during the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is being commemorated this year around the world.
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.
UNICEF aims that every child in Nigeria has a copy by 2030, the deadline for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNICEF revealed that the CRC ‘passport’ will also be available in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin languages.
“Thirty years ago, something incredible happened. World leaders came together in a moment of unity for the world’s children.
“They made a promise to every child to protect and fulfil their rights, by adopting the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“The Convention established childhood as a period that is separate from adulthood – a time in which children should grow, learn, play, develop and flourish.
“We want to see every Nigerian child have that kind of childhood,” said Hawkins.
(NAN)