By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted November 15, 2024
In a communique issued on Wednesday in Lagos, a coalition of 14 prominent non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) condemned the federal government and its agents for the recent arrest and arraignment of minors who participated in the #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protests.
The organizations decried what they described as a disturbing trend of silencing youth voices as a public relations debacle, stressing that children have the right to peacefully express their views on issues that affect their future.
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The communique highlighted that the government’s actions contradict international treaties on children’s rights, which Nigeria is a signatory to, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
According to the endorsing organizations, these actions reflect a broader pattern of attempts to clamp down on civic engagement and infringe on constitutional freedoms.
The coalition called on the government to compensate the children immediately and urged that, going forward, authorities respect the right of peaceful assembly. Additionally, the coalition emphasized the need for the government to address the grievances that prompted the protests, rather than using legal measures to intimidate minors.
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This communique reflects a commitment to safeguarding democratic principles and promoting an inclusive environment where citizens, including youth, can engage in governance issues without fear of reprisal.
The communique stated thus:
“RE: GOVERNMENT’S DETENTION/RELEASE OF #ENDBADGOVERNANCE CHILD PROTESTERS
RELEASE OF CHILD-PROTESTERS THOUGH WELCOMED BUT DOES NOT FULLY ATONE FOR THE DAMAGE DONE
FG MUST ISSUE A PUBLIC APOLOGY AND PAY ADEQUATE COMPENSATION TO THE CHILDREN
We are pleased that the Federal Government has finally allowed reason to prevail by asking the court to discharge and discontinue the case against 32 children arrested and detained in connection with the #Endbadgovernance protest that broke out in August this year. They are part of 119 detained protesters who gained their freedom on November 5 after spending nearly 100 days in detention.
Their release stand as a testament to the power of advocacy and campaigning; for without the collective voices of the Nigerian people and global actors raised both online and offline in condemnation of the Federal Government’s actions, this victory would not have been possible.
Be that as it may, we believe the actions taken so far by the government are not enough to atone for the irreparable damage, both physical and psychological, that these children have suffered in the course of their ordeal. Not only did they languish in detention for three long months during which time they were apparently starved and tortured, they were also wrongfully and maliciously accused of grievous crimes that they obviously did not commit.
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Also, in the process of detention, Nigeria’s obligation and duty of care to protect children and minors as guaranteed by the Child Rights Act (2003) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) was jettisoned. The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) requires States to protect children from abuse, discrimination, neglect, and exploitation; and ensure that parents and other caregivers treat children with dignity and respect among others.
Similarly, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) acknowledges that every child has fundamental rights, including: The right to life, survival, and development; the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, or violence; the right to an education that allows them to reach their potential among others.
Sadly, not only were the children exposed to public ridicule and harm with pictures and videos of their arraignment making the rounds on traditional and social media, they were also detained in adult facilities despite being minors. All of these can constitute serious consequences for the children’s mental health both now and in the future. This is why we are calling on the Federal Government to immediately issue a public apology and pay adequate compensation to the children. We also demand immediate and comprehensive psycho-social evaluation and support for the children as well as adequate support to get them back to school. We similarly call on all the states of origin of the children to follow of with their physical and psychological welfare.
We take cognizance of the Federal Government’s intention to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention and arraignment of the children with a view to sanction any erring officials. However, we feel that the Federal Government cannot be trusted to carry out a thorough investigation when powerful officials of government may likely be indicted. This is why we are recommending an independent probe panel composed of civil society actors and representatives of professional bodies, NGOs, trade unions and other stakeholders to carry out the investigation.
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The alleged child-protesters’ ordeal only reflects a pattern of mistreatment and discrimination that children in contact with the law habitually face in Nigeria. As of today, there are thousands of children languishing in prisons and other adult custodial facilities across the country. We specifically cite the case of Deborah Oshinowo Fornchor, a child who was committed to prison and released only after meeting bail conditions. She is due back in court on November 11 in Dutse Magistrate court, Abuja. We demand immediate freedom for Deborah Oshinowo Fornchor and all other Nigerian children who have been trapped in the web of Nigeria’s vicious criminal justice system.
Sadly, many more protesters, including children, remain in prison across the country.
We hereby also demand the dropping of charges and release of all #Endbadgovernance protesters still in detention in every government facility across the land. These include the 19 protesters, including 3 children, arraigned by the police at the Federal High Court in Maiduguri, Borno state’s capital on Monday 4 November 2024 as well as Adaramoye Michael Lenin and 10 others, who are due to appear before the Federal High Court Abuja on Friday 8 November 2024 for commencement of their trial for treason.
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All these protesters are charged for the same offense of terrorism and treason as the 119 released today. So we see no reason whatsoever why the Federal Government cannot discontinue the cases against them as well. Infact doing this will go a long way in lowering the built-up tension in the country today, fostering unity while restoring hope in the institutions of democracy.
In addition, we hope the Government which is constitutionally vested with the responsibility of safeguarding children’s welfare and overall wellbeing would take this recent occurrence as a lesson to turn a new leaf by ensuring that the protection of children’s rights become its utmost priority. We cannot look to any meaningful future if our country continues to rank amongst the lowest in terms of child’s rights violation whereas young people constitute about 70% of our population.
Signed this day on behalf of the following organizations:
- CEE-HOPE Nigeria
- Child Protection Network, Lagos
- Child to Child Network
- S.A.F.E for Children® Society
- Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development
- Community Women’s Initiative
- Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP)
- Media Concern Initiative
- ACTS Generation
- Kreative Arts Foundation for Community Engagement (KAfcOmE)
- Youth Rights Campaign (YRC)
- Dorothy Njemanze Foundation
- Think Child First
- Bimbo Odukoya Foundation.
- Vision Spring Initiatives
- Enough is Enough”