By.JULIANA KATUNG, Kaduna
Following the passage of the Child Protection Bill, the Kaduna State Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba advocates for more awareness and sensitization on the new law.
Hajiya Baba who was speaking in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna, said with the passage of the law, people especially at the community level need to be sensitized about the law for a better understanding.
“The bill was aimed at protecting the welfare and safety of children across the state, hence the need for awareness campaign,” she stressed.
The commissioner explained that, with the passage of the bill into law, children will have unhindered access and right to education and justice in case of violation to their rights which includes rape, trafficking amongst others.
“The next line of action is for us to create more awareness and sensitize the people to remove misconception that children can take their parents to court”. Hajiya noted.
She further explained that, if parents are properly educated and informed about the law, children who have been raped or assaulted will have justice at the long run.
According to her, “we believe that with this law, both the judiciary and court will have a document to work on and justice will be done to our children and all that are concerned”.
She emphasised that the law will protect every child, irrespective of their social status in the society, saying, “like any one of us, children have the right to life, education and right to protection and conducive environment”.
She also expressed appreciation to Governor Nasir el-Rufai, the civil societies, the media and members of the State Assembly for their efforts in establishing the law, adding that, the 18 months struggle has made history for the state.
“This is a giant stride for Kaduna State taking the lead, I hope other states will emulate,” she stressed.
She added that a lot of consultations were made, saying, inputs from religious, traditional leaders, ciivil societies and the public were received after a series of public presentation where people gave there views.
It would be recalled that for about 18 months of rigorous scrutiny, criticism and debates, the Kaduna State House of Assembly had on Wednesday passed into law the Child Protection Law.
