Prior to the celebration of International Children’s Day in 2022, Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen stated that the Federal Government has established family courts in 16 states to ensure child-friendly justice for children who are victims or perpetrators of violence.
Tallen stated at a press conference on Tuesday that the establishment of family courts was the result of effective advocacy and sensitization for the effective implementation of the Child Rights Law throughout the country.
The theme for the year, she says, is ‘Strengthening Supportive Systems for the Protection of the Nigerian Child; A Wake-Up Call.’
Despite the efforts of the government and other stakeholders, she stated that children were still vulnerable and victims of abduction, ritual killings, rape, child marriage, domestic abuse, and other forms of violence.
She added, “As a ministry, we are sometimes overwhelmed with these issues and it will seem as if we are not doing enough.
“More worrisome is the recent increase of violence in schools, where children are physically and sexually abused online and offline.
“In the meantime, the ministry, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has developed policies and carried out a series of programmes to ensure the safety of children.
“The establishment of family courts in 16 states of the federation is a direct result of the effective and sustained advocacy.”
Tallen also noted that to ensure the safety and protection of children, she also reconstituted the technical working group on ending violence against children and the management in Nigeria.