Building a legacy for the protection of children associated with terrorist groups
in Nigeria
STRIVE Juvenile brings together stakeholders to ensure sustainable change
STRIVE Juvenile, an important initiative that promotes the rights of children caught in the context of counter-terrorism held the fifth and final meeting of its Nigerian Project Steering Committee on 14 November 2023. National stakeholders looked back upon the manifold achievements of the project and discussed strategies for ensuring lasting change beyond its lifespan. The meeting was followed by a round table through which a Guidance Note on Assessments for Child Witnesses during Investigation and Prosecution of Crimes committed by Non-State Armed Groups including those designated as Terrorist Groups was reviewed and finalized.
The harsh reality
A decade of destruction at the hands of Boko Haram has left indelible scars in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. Among those most vulnerable to this insidious influence are children who are recruited and exploited to perpetuate the cycle of violence.
A strategic alliance for protection
UNODC and the European Union have partnered with the Nigerian Government, civil society and youth partners under the leadership of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to ensure that the project follows a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to the development of strategies that promotes child rights in the context of counter-terrorism.
The STRIVE Juvenile project in Nigeria has laid the foundation for a safer future for the country’s children - a future that all parties are determined to see realized.
Reflections on success
“Convening this final Steering Committee is an essential step in ensuring the sustainability of the STRIVE Juvenile project achievements,” said Ms. Chika Nnamani-Kuku of ONSA. "Today, we thank all of you for joining us and contributing to this important initiative."
“This Steering Committee has been key to the success of the project,” said Ruben Alba Aguilera, of the Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS. “You have ensured that cooperation if focused on the common interests of child rights defenders and security actors and is truly national in scope.”
Clear and practical guidance for professionals
A Guidance Note on Assessments for Child Witnesses during Investigation and Prosecution of Crimes committed by Non-State Armed Groups including those designated as Terrorist Groups was scrutinized by participants at a round table discussion. This document is a testament to STRIVE Juvenile’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights in the justice system and ensuring that those who have suffered are not treated as perpetrators but as victims who deserve justice and compassion.
STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups is funded by the European Union, and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in three partner countries- Indonesia, Iraq and Nigeria. STRIVE Juvenile works with children and youth; and develops and implements comprehensive national responses to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism affecting children, in full respect of human rights, gender equality and international law. As such STRIVE forms integral part of UNODC’s 2030 Strategic Vision for Nigeria and its objective of promoting initiatives to support the victims of terrorism, in particular women and children recruited and exploited by terrorist organizations.
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