The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on stakeholders to take urgent and coordinated action to protect children from sexual violence, stressing the need for zero tolerance and stronger systems that guarantee the safety, dignity, and rights of every child.
The call was made by the Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, during a one-day stakeholder roundtable on child rights organised by UNICEF on Tuesday in Gombe State.
Speaking at the event, Dr Rafique said many children are exposed to sexual violence at a very young age, underscoring the need for collective efforts to address the challenge.
“Many mothers and children die during childbirth, but those who survive must be protected from diseases and harmful practices such as sexual abuse to ensure proper growth and development,” she said.
She added that proper nutrition, especially exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months, is essential to child survival and development.
Dr Rafique also noted that malnutrition remains one of the leading causes of child mortality in Nigeria, calling for urgent action to address the problem.
She expressed concern over the rising cases of child abuse in Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states, urging stakeholders to work together to curb the trend.
The UNICEF official further highlighted the importance of timely reporting and effective response mechanisms to ensure survivors have access to essential services, including medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and justice.
Also speaking, Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) Officer, Ladi Alabi, emphasised the life-saving impact of integrated, survivor-centred services such as the One Stop Centre (OSC) approach, which provides comprehensive support to victims in one location.
Participants at the roundtable advocated for a child-centred justice system that is swift, sensitive, and fair, while respecting the rights of the child.
They also urged the media to uphold ethical standards by protecting the privacy and dignity of survivors while raising awareness on child protection issues.
Community, traditional, and religious leaders were identified as critical stakeholders in preventing abuse, promoting awareness, and encouraging reporting within communities.
Stakeholders stressed that long-term solutions must include sustained investment in prevention through education, awareness campaigns, and community engagement.
Alabi noted that responsible journalism and sustained advocacy can play a vital role in influencing policy, strengthening institutions, and creating safer environments for children.
The roundtable also underscored the need to strengthen referral pathways among institutions to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response to cases of abuse.
Our correspondent reports that the one-day event attracted about 70 journalists from Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states.
