Nigeria’s child detention crisis: Civil society condemns government’s disregard for Child Rights

Stanley Ihedigbo

Civil Society-NPF Observatory, a coalition of 30 human rights organizations, has condemned the Nigerian government’s alarming disregard for child rights.

The group expressed outrage over the detention of numerous children, many of whom have fainted or slumped in court due to malnutrition.

The Observatory cited severe failures in law enforcement and the misuse of counter-terrorism laws to suppress dissent and freedom of expression.

They noted that detention facilities are grossly inadequate, subjecting children to abuse and malnutrition.

“It is scandalous that children are being arraigned and tried alongside adults, which violates their rights and legal protections as minors. The current government has proved itself beyond doubt to be misusing counter-terrorism laws as tools for repressing political dissent, undermining democratic freedoms.

“The visible suffering of these children, particularly those collapsing in court due to malnutrition, raises profound ethical concerns about the state’s treatment of its youth,” they stressed.

The group urged for immediate release and rehabilitation of all the detained children.

“They should be released immediately, provided with rehabilitation support, and reintegrated into educational systems. The government should urgently reassess and correct its approach to law enforcement, prioritizing the well-being and rights of Nigerian citizens, especially vulnerable groups. The government must recommit to fulfilling its obligations under local and international human rights laws to protect children and ensure laws are applied justly and fairly.

“The situation demands urgent attention and action from government authorities, civil society, and the international community. Protecting the well-being of children and rehabilitating those affected should be a priority, as these actions reflect a commitment to human rights, justice, and the essence of a democratic society.

“As citizens and civic actors, we must remain vigilant, to tirelessly, and vigorously advocate for the rights of children, urging the government to uphold democratic principles and human rights,” they stated.

The groups are; Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Lagos; One Love Foundation, Edo; Nde Oduko Foundation, Ebonyi; Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative; Open Society on Justice Reform Project (OSJRP), Lagos; Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Abia; Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Abia; Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights, Lagos; Initiative for Public Safety, Security and Educational Development in Nigeria (IPSSEDNETWORK), Enugu; Grassroots Development Monitoring and Advocacy Centre; Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and Justice for Peace and Development Initiative (JPDI).

Also, Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria(CJNN); Global Rights Foundation for Peace and Human Rights, River State; Conscience for human rights and conflicts Resolution (CHRCR) Lokoja, Kogi State; Initiative for Gender Equality and Advancement (IGEA ) Edo State; Movement for Improved Welfare for Nigeria Police Force (MIWNPF); Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (CCHR);Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance (CACOBAG); Centre for People’s Defence (CPD); Gani Fawehinmi Movement for a New Nigeria (GFMNN); Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (HURSDEF), Rivers State; Bauchi Human Rights Network, Bauchi; Center for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Aba, Abia State and Victoria Peace Foundation (partnering for Justice and Peace).

As well as, Interfaith Peace Foundation, Kano; Community Education Advancement of Peace & Dev. initiative (CEAPDI); The Inclusion Project; GodthemCity Peace Initiative, Gombe State; and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa.