Protecting Children’s Rights: Human Rights Activist Petitions Delta State Assembly
A human rights activist, Aghogho Ighorhiohwunu, has taken a bold step by petitioning the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, over the proposed amendments to the Delta State Child Rights Law 2008. The petition, submitted on September 24, is a wake-up call to ensure that the rights of children in the state are protected and upheld.
Aghogho’s main concern is that the proposed amendments cannot be made without following the proper process and obtaining federal approval. According to the petition, Section 12 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution requires international treaties, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to be enacted into law by the National Assembly. Any amendments must also follow the same process, which includes ratification by the Federal Executive Council, approval by the National Assembly, and signature by the President. This means that the Delta State House of Assembly cannot unilaterally amend the law without federal approval.
The petition highlights the importance of adhering to constitutional and international frameworks to protect the rights of children in the state. Aghogho urged the Delta State House of Assembly to prioritize the protection and well-being of children and to ensure that any amendments align with Nigeria’s international obligations.
This development comes as the Delta State House of Assembly recently passed a bill to amend the Child Rights Law 2008 for a second reading. The bill aims to strengthen existing provisions and introduce new ones to ensure effective implementation and compliance. The proposed amendments cover twelve sections of the principal law and have received support from lawmakers, who argue that the changes are necessary to address current challenges hindering implementation.
The petition by Aghogho Ighorhiohwunu is a crucial step in ensuring that the rights of children in Delta State are protected and upheld. It is a reminder that the protection of children’s rights is a collective responsibility that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the general public.
