A Study on UNICEF and the Child Rights Act in Nigeria
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
The main purpose of this research work is to perform a study on UNICEF and the child right actin Nigeria. The specific objectives are to:
- understand the content of child right of Nigeria and its importance to the development of the Nigerian child;
- Identify reasons why the child right act in Nigeria is not getting the desired support within the States in Nigeria;
- Clarify the efforts of UNICEF in the enforcement of the child right act in the states of Nigeria
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Impact of the Child Rights Act in Nigeria
The Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003 is a significant piece of legislation in Nigeria that aims to protect the rights and welfare of children. It incorporates the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Nigerian law, providing a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of children’s rights. The impact of the CRA in Nigeria can be analyzed through various dimensions:
Legal Framework for Child Protection
The CRA provides a robust legal framework that defines the rights of children, including the right to survival, development, protection, and participation (Adekoya, 2013). By enshrining these rights in law, the CRA has established a foundation for protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. This legal protection is crucial in a country where traditional practices often overshadow children’s rights.
Awareness and Advocacy
The implementation of the CRA has led to increased awareness and advocacy around children’s rights in Nigeria. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups have actively engaged in campaigns to educate the public about the rights of children (Akhidenor, 2014). This has resulted in a growing understanding of the importance of child rights among parents, teachers, and community leaders, fostering a culture that values and protects children’s rights.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its positive aspects, the CRA faces significant challenges in implementation. Many states in Nigeria have yet to domesticate the Act, leading to discrepancies in the protection of children’s rights across the country (Nwankwo, 2017). The lack of resources, inadequate training for law enforcement officials, and cultural attitudes towards children also hinder the effective implementation of the Act. This inconsistency raises concerns about the equitable protection of children’s rights throughout Nigeria.
Impact on Policy Development
The CRA has influenced policy development in Nigeria, prompting the government to consider children’s rights in its policies and programs. For instance, the Act has led to the establishment of child protection units in various ministries and agencies, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights (Ogunyemi, 2015). However, sustained commitment and funding are necessary to ensure that these initiatives lead to meaningful change.
Improved Access to Education and Health Services
The CRA emphasizes the right to education and healthcare for children, contributing to improved access to these essential services. Research indicates that children’s rights to free and compulsory education and basic health services have been recognized more broadly since the enactment of the CRA (Chukwu, 2016). This improvement is crucial in a country where access to quality education and healthcare remains a significant challenge.
The Child Rights Act has had a profound impact on the protection and promotion of children’s rights in Nigeria. While it has established a legal framework and increased awareness, challenges in implementation and inconsistencies across states must be addressed. Ongoing advocacy, government commitment, and community engagement are essential to fully realize the rights of children in Nigeria.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine a study on UNICEF and the child right act in Nigeria. Residents in Aba form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain a study on unicef and the child right act in Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the study on unicef and the child right act in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on ascertain study on UNICEF and the child right act in Nigeria. Three objectives were raised which included: understand the content of child right of Nigeria and its importance to the development of the Nigerian child, identify reasons why the child right act in Nigeria is not getting the desired support within the States in Nigeria and Clarify the efforts of UNICEF in the enforcement of the child right act in the states of Nigeria. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Aba. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
This study has highlighted the significant role of UNICEF in promoting and implementing the Child Rights Act (CRA) in Nigeria. Through various initiatives, advocacy efforts, and partnerships, UNICEF has contributed to raising awareness about children’s rights, supporting legal frameworks, and enhancing child protection systems across the country. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including inconsistent domestication of the CRA at the state level, socio-cultural barriers, inadequate awareness, and economic constraints that hinder the effective realization of children’s rights.
The CRA provides a vital legal framework for protecting children’s rights, but its impact is limited by these barriers. As a result, many children in Nigeria continue to face violations of their rights, including abuse, neglect, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring that the rights enshrined in the CRA are effectively implemented and upheld for all children.
Recommendations
State governments should prioritize the domestication of the Child Rights Act to ensure uniform protection of children’s rights across Nigeria. Advocacy and support from UNICEF and other stakeholders can facilitate this process.
Expand awareness campaigns targeted at communities, parents, teachers, and law enforcement agencies to educate them about children’s rights and the provisions of the CRA. Utilizing various media platforms and community engagement strategies can enhance understanding and advocacy for children’s rights.
Implement training programs for government officials, social workers, and law enforcement personnel on child rights and the importance of the CRA. Strengthening the capacity of these stakeholders will improve the enforcement of child rights laws.
References
- Adekoya, O. (2013). The Impact of Socio-Cultural Barriers on the Implementation of the Child Rights Act in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Law and Society, 4(1), 45-57.
- Akinyemi, O. (2015). Raising Awareness on Child Rights: Evaluating the Challenges of the Child Rights Act in Nigeria. Journal of Child Rights and Policy, 1(1), 16-29.
- Akinyemi, O., & Adediran, O. (2017). Institutional Frameworks for Child Protection in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Child Welfare and Development, 2(2), 31-44.
- Chukwu, J. O. (2016). Cultural Influences on Child Rights in Nigeria: An Overview. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 6(1), 56-67.
- Eze, E. (2018). Challenges in Enforcing the Child Rights Act in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Law and Society, 5(2), 78-89.
- Nwankwo, O. (2017). The Challenges of Implementing the Child Rights Act in Nigeria: A Review of Progress and Challenges. Journal of African Law, 61(2), 123-144.
