28 - 30 November, Abuja - As children continue to be recruited and exploited, and growing numbers of children flee terrorist groups, national stakeholders express an urgent need for a coherent approach towards preventing and responding to violence against children by terrorist groups.
In response to this identified need, STRIVE Juvenile in Nigeria – in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) - organized a Training of Trainers workshop. This activity completed a capacity-building cycle on ‘The treatment of children associated with terrorist groups’ and was dedicated to policy-makers and practitioners from the security justice and child protection sectors. It was designed to enhance the transfer of specialized knowledge on the phenomenon of child recruitment and exploitation as well as the understanding of responses available for the treatment of these children, thereby guaranteeing a coherent and sustainable approach at the national level.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Mairo Musa Abbas, Head of Preventing Violent Extremism, ONSA, emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian Government to addressing the issue of children associated with terrorist and violent and extremist groups.“The government of Nigeria cannot and will not tolerate violence against children. Protecting children is both our duty and our aspiration, and our Constitution guides us in defining this mission as one of the highest objectives of the State.”
Ms. Alexandra Martins, lead trainer and representing the STRIVE Juvenile team, noted that the project “was born from the conviction that these children deserve a second chance, and that only through appropriate strategies and well-trained professionals, can we provide this”.
The Training of Trainers workshop brought together multiple professionals who share responsibility for preventing and responding to violence against children perpetrated by terrorist and violent extremist groups, providing them withspecialized knowledge on the appropriate treatment of these children as well as practical tips and strategies for the effective delivery of capacity-building activities.
Cross-coordination between agencies and institutions is crucial for the implementation of a coherent approach such as that outlined in the “Nigeria Call for Action”. Participants, from relevant agencies across the country, were given a unique opportunity to improve their knowledge, discuss shared challenges, and achieve a common understanding.Participants confirmed their agreement and determination that children associated with terrorist and violent extremist groups should be treated primarily as victims. The participants were thankful to UNODC, the European Union and ONSA for the crucial contribution of this capacity-building activity and made commitments to integrate training material and pass on knowledge within their institutions.
Adoption of the 'Nigeria Call for Action' to protect children from the threat of terrorism... read more
STRIVE Juvenile Nigeria 3rd Steering Committee Meeting... read more
ToT on the treatment of children associated with terrorist and violent extremist groups... read more
STRIVE Juvenile Indonesia workshop on strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration processes... read more
STRIVE Juvenile Iraq 3-day workshop on ‘Psychosocial Assessment Processes'... read more
Second Steering Committee Meeting of STRIVE Juvenile in Nigeria... read more
STRIVE Juvenile Indonesia - Roundtable on the Guidance Note on Juvenile Justice and National Coordination Meeting... read more
Newsroom
During the Special Event, the new project STRIVE Juvenile has been presented. STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups is a three-year (2021-2024), EUR 5.5 million initiative by the European Union and UNODC. The project aims to partner with the selected countries, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Iraq and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the development and implementation of comprehensive national responses to prevent and counter violent extremism affecting children, in full respect of human rights, gender equality and international law... Read more
