UNICEF
By Esenvosa Izah
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that the Federal Government has the main responsibility for preventing and responding to violence with quality services in place.
The Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF, Nigeria, Mrs Rachel Harvey made this known in an interview with the NANon Wednesday in Lagos.
Harvey spoke on the sidelines of the campaign to End Violence Against Children by 2030, launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 25.
reports that the campaign is supported by UNICEF and the United State Agency for International Development (USAID).
The campaign builds and expands on the success of just-ended Year of Action to End Violence Against Children, earlier launched in Sept. 2015.
“The services should be staffed by trained professionals to help children recover from their experiences.
“Also, perpetrators should be held accountable for their actions by strengthening the capacity of justice sector, that children and the general public are aware that violence against children is unacceptable.
“And that they know where to seek help when children are victims of violence, among other steps, “ she stated.
Harvey stated that the issue of violence against children was critical to the country as it was not confined to poor families, or to marginalised children or children living in the shadow of conflict.
As stated by her, it is a problem that transcends social and economic status; it impacts the rich and the poor, urban and rural, educated and out of school children.
“Ending violence against children is not just a moral imperative or a legal obligation; failure to prevent and respond to violence leads to a new generation of victims.
“The Nigeria Violence Against Children survey found that adults who have suffered violence as children are much more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence.
“Failure to end violence against children also impacts the country as a whole; it leads to substantial economic losses and constrains development.
“Ending violence against children has been linked to sustainable growth not only by the international community, but through the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Violence against children is therefore not somebody else’s problem – it is everybody’s problem and everybody needs to be part of the solution, ‘’ she stated.
Harvey stated that the government alone could not end violence.
She stated that religious leaders, NGOs and the media had a fundamental role in breaking the culture of silence on violence that children suffered.
“Also tackling the stigma that stops children from speaking out and ensuring that children who do report are treated with dignity and in a way that helps them to recover.
“That is why the campaign to end violence against children by 2030, which brings together not only government ministries, but also key religious groups and organizations.
“Also, working for children’s rights and protection, is so critical to fighting violence against children
“That is why this Presidential Campaign to end violence against children is so important as it shines a spotlight on the problem, and not only commits the government to take action.
“But calls upon all Nigerians to break the culture of silence, fight the stigma that stops children speaking out and take action to prevent violence, “ Harvey stated. (
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