24 April 2024: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) unveiled an excitingnew project, “Protecting Children from Violence in Contexts of Insecurity, North-East Nigeria”.
Aimed atenhancing the protective framework for children who are associated – or are at risk of being associated - with armed and criminal groups, including terrorist groups, this initiative marks a significant step forward in the battle against child recruitment and exploitation in the conflict-affectedStates of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.
The Plight and The Promise
For over a decade, children in North-East Nigeria have faced unimaginable horrors with thousands being kidnapped from their homes; tricked or coerced into joining Boko Haram; and used as slaves, suicide bombers, cooks and spies.
UNODC’s new initiative will respond to this by empowering children and youth as agents of change in promoting prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration while strengthening the capacity of national counterparts to implement practical measures that prioritize the protection, support, rehabilitation, and reintegration of child victims of grave violations. By establishing State-level Committees and leveraging lessons from the successful STRIVE Juvenile project, the project willsupport authorities and communities to createand maintainsafe environments where children can thrive.
Community and Collaboration
During the two-day launch event, stakeholders from various sectors engaged in intensive discussions and participatory sessions. Local leaders, international experts and community representatives contributed valuable knowledge and experience.
Those responsible for the rehabilitation and reintegration of children in their respective States were enthusiastic about the new project:
Honorable Wunfe Anthony, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Adamawa State, said ‘the protection of children from violence, particularly in the context of insecurity, is a critical priority that demands our utmost attention and concerted efforts.’
Honorable Zuwaira Gambo, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Borno State,noted that ‘The launch of these State-level Committees represents an opportune moment in our ongoing efforts to combat violence and insecurity and to safeguard the future of our children.’
Honorable ShettimaBarma, Commissioner of Youth, Sport and Social Development, Yobe State,pledged ‘We stand ready to work hand in hand with our partners to implement effective strategies for the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children affected by violence’.
A Continuous Journey
As the event concluded and the participants returned to their respective states, the real work began. The project's success will depend on sustainedeffort and enduring commitment of all stakeholders to stand up for the rights and well-being of every child in Nigeriain furtherance of The Nigeria Call for Action.
For further information please contact:
Mersiha Causevic Podzic
Communications Officer
mersiha.causevicpodzic[at]un.org
