Yemisi Izuora
The Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria, NOPRIN, has called for effective enforcement of rights of individuals and in particular the protection of the girl child from abuse and sexual harassment.
In celebrating the International Day of the girl-child being which holds annually on October 11, NOPRIN said it is time for government to take necessary actions to protect innocent young girls from molestations.
It said the celebration was an auspicious occasion to commemorate the roles of the girl-child and also highlight the challenges facing the girl-child.
“This year’s International Day of the girl-child celebration titled #Empowering girls for a brighter tomorrow reminds us of our invaluable role in promoting the rights of the girl child and highlighting gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys in our society.
In Nigeria, the pitiable state of the girl-child challenges her opportunities to realize a better future especially the recurring cases of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Violations especially in conflict zones, hampers the realization of a better tomorrow for the girl-child, inequality in employment in the policing sector in Nigeria and lack of access to fair hearing especially of victims of rape, trafficking amongst others.”, it said in a statement.
The Foundation expressed worry that despite the growing spate of out of school girls and other prevalent violations and abuses against girls, little efforts are being made by the government to provide remedies.
“NOPRIN therefore calls on the Federal Government, State, Local Government, CSOs, and Media outfits to domesticate, Universal Basic Education Act, Child Right Act, Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in order to promote and protect the rights of girls in Nigeria.” the statement added.