A non-governmental organisation on Saturday in Ilorin, advocated for the enforcement of laws against sexual abuse of minors in Nigeria.

The Save the Future of the Children Initiatives (SAFIN) made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting on the pre-launch of Protecting Children Against Child Trafficking and Abuse (PCAT) initiative.

PCAT includes, for the first time, a specific target of 16.2 to end all forms of violence against children, including abuse, neglect and exploitation of children which is mainstreamed across several other violence-related targets.

Oyedeji Olufemi, the Chief Executive Officer of SAFIN, said that violence against children remains hidden and undermines the achievement of the SDGs and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

This he said was years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

He said that over one billion children around the world endure some form of violence and that three in every four children under the age of five experience aggressive discipline at the hands of caregivers.

He called for the provision of comprehensive services to at-risk of abuse and abused children in Nigeria on needs bases and strengthening referral linkages to end violence against children by 2030.

He also noted that strengthening the income and reduction of poverty in the society will reduce children’s vulnerability to abuse and trafficking.

Also, Bilkis Oladimeji, State Coordinator for Children on the Move Care, Support and Protection Network in Nigeria, said there is erosion of societal norms in Nigeria.

Ms Oladimeji appealed for all stakeholders, family units and government at all tiers to take action and responsibility in protecting the children.

(NAN)