Nigeria has called for stronger international cooperation to protect children from violence, trafficking, sexual exploitation and emerging digital threats, particularly in developing countries.

Nigeria made the appeal on Monday during the 13th plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee, which handles social, humanitarian and human rights matters.

Speaking in Nigeria’s national capacity, its representative, Bola Asaju, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to eliminating violence against children and strengthening child protection systems.

The Nigerian delegation said growing threats in digital environments and persistent funding constraints required renewed international attention and practical support for vulnerable children.

Mr Asaju drew attention to Nigeria’s National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children, describing it as evidence of the country’s commitment to prevention and protection.

The delegation also highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in convening African governments, UN agencies and development partners to strengthen regional cooperation on child protection, stating Nigeria’s hosting of a regional ministerial-level meeting of the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.

Nigeria particularly emphasised the vulnerability of girls to sexual violence, trafficking, educational exclusion and early and forced marriage. The delegation maintained that protecting and empowering girls must remain central to international efforts to safeguard children’s rights.

It also expressed concern about emerging threats associated with digital technologies, including online exploitation and other forms of abuse.

Nigeria called for renewed international cooperation to help developing countries translate global child protection commitments into practical national and community-level interventions.

Mr Asaju requested additional information from UN experts on initiatives capable of supporting vulnerable children and strengthening national protection systems.

The intervention followed presentations by senior UN officials responsible for children affected by armed conflict, violence against children and sexual exploitation. Among the speakers was Vanessa Frazier, special representative of the secretary-general for children and armed conflict.

Ms Frazier disclosed that the United Nations verified 38,558 grave violations against children in armed conflicts during 2025. According to the UN, the violations affected 24,174 children, representing the highest verified number of children affected since the establishment of the monitoring mandate.

The organisation identified Nigeria among the countries experiencing particularly serious violations, alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.

The UN reported that killing, maiming, recruitment, abduction, sexual violence and attacks on schools and hospitals continued to threaten children in conflict-affected communities.

The meeting brought together representatives of 12 African countries, UN agencies, civil society organisations and children to strengthen prevention and protection strategies. During the meeting, Nigeria presented its National Plan to End Violence Against Children, focusing on legal reforms, improved services and public awareness.

(NAN)