The Centre for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) has called for stronger protection of child domestic workers (CDWs) from maltreatment.
This call was made during a school sensitisation outreach held at the assembly ground of Idimu Junior College, Lagos, under the theme: “Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment.”
Over 900 students and more than 20 teachers attended the event.
Leading the engagement, Mrs Coker Olufunmilola, the Advocacy Manager for CAPRIGHTS-VP, educated students in Yoruba, in alignment with the school’s observance of Yoruba-Speaking Day, celebrated every Wednesday in Lagos State public schools.
She highlighted the five fundamental rights of children: the rights to education, health, safety, family life, and recreation/play.
Coker explained that while some child domestic workers receive fair treatment from their guardians or employers, many others are deprived of these rights and endure harsh living and working conditions with limited access to education and healthcare. She reminded the students that the Child Rights Law states: “At all times, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration.”
She urged collective action to protect children serving as house helps, commonly referred to as Omo-Odo. “Every child has the right to education, just like each of you here today. No child should be deprived of this right, as education is the foundation of a brighter future. Education helps shape children into responsible adults and plays a major role in reducing the number of dysfunctional families in our society,” she said.
As part of the outreach, Mrs Coker, Mrs Mercy Joshua, the Programme Coordinator, and Mrs Agatha Chinedu, the Security Protection Officer, facilitated smaller group discussions with the students. These interactive sessions encouraged the students to share observations about CDWs in their school and community. Some students acknowledged that CDWs were present in their school and pledged to report any cases of abuse they encountered.
During the session, a male student asked, “What about CDWs who are not being maltreated? What should we do then?” The team responded that CAPRIGHTS-VP and the government are pleased when CDWs are treated with dignity, as this is the right way to treat them. However, they urged the students to report any mistreatment they witnessed.
Both students and teachers were encouraged to report cases of child abuse or maltreatment, particularly involving CDWs, to CAPRIGHTS-VP. They were assured that all reports would be handled confidentially and appropriately referred through CAPRIGHTS-VP’s partnerships with government ministries, health institutions, and other NGOs.
The team also demonstrated how to use the toll-free helplines, 0800 800 8001 or 0800 004 4444, stressing that these calls are entirely free, removing financial barriers to reporting abuse.
The Principal, Mr Olajide Idowu, expressed deep appreciation to CAPRIGHTS-VP for their consistent commitment to championing the rights of vulnerable children. He encouraged teachers and students to use the toll-free lines to report any cases of abuse or rights violations.
