The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to release all children and young persons detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernanceProtests.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, expressed encouragement over the president’s directive in a statement by the communication specialist, Safiya Akan, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mr Munduate emphasised that the directive prioritised the welfare of the children.
“UNICEF views this move as a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of minors in conflict with the law.
“The release order, which affects 119 children and young persons facing serious charges, demonstrates the Nigerian government’s commitment to upholding national and international standards in treating minors.
“UNICEF urges the Nigerian government to take necessary steps to prevent child detention and safeguard their well-being,” the statement said.
The fund added that children in conflict with the law must be treated humanely and with dignity and not detained in adult correctional facilities.
It also said UNICEF would collaborate with federal and state governments to provide family tracing, mental health, psychosocial support, recovery, and reintegration services for released children.
The minors were initially arraigned before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for allegedly participating in the August protests, facing 10 counts bordering on treason, intent to destabilise the nation, and inciting mutiny.
However, the case was struck out following the president’s release order.
(NAN)