NBA advocates protection of children’s rights

The Jalingo branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Taraba State has called for intensified efforts to safeguard and promote children’s rights.

Making the call in Jalingo, the state capital, at an interactive session with students from selected secondary in commemoration of World Children Day, they emphasised that there is a need to secure a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.

Organized by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Jalingo, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the event, also brought together legal experts in the Jalingo branch of the association.

The NBA Jalingo Chairman, Martin Milkman, who spoke passionately about the need to prioritize children’s rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act, stressed that protecting these rights is fundamental to ensuring the growth and development of young people.

“Every human being is entitled to these rights, and children, in particular, deserve additional protections,” Milkman stated.

Listing key rights such as the right to a name, freedom of association, freedom of thought and religion, and protection from discrimination and harassment, he also highlighted the importance of ensuring that children have access to free and compulsory education, recreational facilities, and special protections when needed.

Milkman urged teachers and caregivers to respect and uphold these rights, emphasizing their critical role in shaping the lives of young Nigerians.

He encouraged them to report any violations of their rights to trusted individuals or organizations that can advocate on their behalf, stating that, “Children should not only know their rights but also feel empowered to speak out when those rights are violated.”

Milkman, who also underscored the importance of parental guidance, noted that, while children have significant rights, they require the care and support of responsible adults to thrive.

Calling on society to work collectively to ensure young people are protected and provided with opportunities to succeed, the NBA reiterated its commitment to the welfare of children.