UNICEF appeals to Nigerian authority to sign Handover Protocols for children

UNICEF appealed to the Nigerian authorities for the immediate signing of the Handover Protocol so that children caught in the web of conflict can swiftly access the psychosocial, medical and educational support they need.

The UNICEF Chief Maiduguri Field Office, Ms. Phuong T. Nguyen who stated this Monday at Prime Lodge Maiduguri during the commemoration event revealed that with support from government and other stakeholders, over 1,572 children have been released from the ranks of the CJTF since 2017, saying,” but the reality today is that many girls and boys are still in custody of armed groups, abducted and used as soldiers, armourers, spies, cooks and farmers.”

“Many girls have been forcefully married to their abductors, beaten, raped and violated in many ways unimaginable. In 2021, UNICEF with the support of partners, supported over 3000 children with skills and reunited them with their families.

“UNICEF will continue to work with the Borno State Government, through the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and other stakeholders to give more girls and boys a chance to survive, dream and thrive.

“UNICEF calls for action to stop the use of child soldiers , negotiate their release and support their reintegration into their communities and the prevention of recruitment and re-recruitment of children,” Nguyen said.

She called on governments, community leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, families, women, men and youths groups , UNICEF and other partners and indeed everyone to work together to stamp out the recruitment and use of children as child soldiers.

The UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office added that the right place of Children is to be in their homes, schools and communities and not in the bush and certainly not on the the battle ground.

“The right tools for children are pens, papers, water colours and not guns and bullets. UNICEF remains committed to its mandate of promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, no matter their circumstances. UNICEF will remain an un-relentless advocate of every girl and boy, tomorrow and rest of the future. UNICEF will not give up girls and boys who did not start this conflict, but now suffer the effects of the conflict, the most,” Nguyen said

The Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Alhaji Mohammed Hamza has called for action to stop the use of chidren in armed conflict by non state and state armed groups and provide support for children affected by the Boko Haram crisis rather.

He also urged all stakeholders and partners including NGOs, CSOs, NLC, organized private, parents and guardians as well as communities and religious leaders to put concerted efforts towards peace building, conflict prevention and prohibition of any forced recruitment or conscription of children under 18 years.

Alhaji Hamza who stated this also said that Borno State state government has prohibited forceful recruitment of under age by government forces and the participation of Children under 18 years in active hostilities by any party.

He warned also that the state government has placed obligations on non state armed groups recruitment of children as child soldiers while condemning in totality the practice and appreciated the support of Govenor Babagana Umara Zulum who stood firm to ensure peace return to the state and region as well as UNICEF for their support and encouragement.

The Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command Headquarters Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Major General Chris G Musa represented by the Chief of Staff, 7 Division, NA headquarters Maiduguri, Brigadier General Sadisu Yakasai commended the organizers and supporters for organizing the event as symbol of honour and regard for the child while emphasizing on the need for de-radicalization of the children before reintegration.

He also sympathized with the children describing them as victims of circumstances while condemning the recruitment of the child soldiers.

General Yakasai stressed the need for thorough rehabilitation of the children and proper care to change their life and turn them into future leaders by providing them with the necessary facilities and opportunities in the society.

He also explained the role Nigerian Army has played in the fight against the insurgency and efforts made to checkmate the activities of the insurgents, especially, in conscription and use of the children as child soldiers.

The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Jere LGC, Super Overall Commander, Abbati Isa already in September 2017, the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR) in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners have signed an Action Plan with the CJTF to put an end to child recruitment and use.

He added that with the support of the CTFMR and Borno state Ministry of Justice (MOJ), CJTF took significant steps to put an end to the practices while significant progress has been made by the CJTF in implementing the Action Plan including Standing Orders to all Commanders and their Sectors to stop recruiting children and the separation of 2,203 children comprising 363 girls, 1,840 boys from the armed groups rank and file resulting in the delisting of the group by the Secretary General from the annexes of the Secretary General Annual Reports on CAAC.

Abbati also said there was the establishment of child protection units in all sectors of the CJTF and introduction of Disciplinary Committee to deal with issues relating to any deviation from the standing order reflecting the the commitment of the CTF to continue to ensure that all members and commanders respect the rights of children in the communities they serve .

He commended the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, UNICEF and other partners for their initiatives, efforts and commitments to support the noble cause of stopping recruitment of child soldiers.

Highlights of the event include group photographs, presentation of Red Hands, experiences of beneficiaries and goodwill messages from stakeholders and partners among others.