Cross River State has marked International Children's Day with a call for increased protection and justice for children.
Reflecting on this year's theme which is " Protect Not Punish: Access for Justice for Street Connected Children", Sunday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Cross River State and Dean, Commissioners for Women Affairs in Nigeria, Hon. Edema Irom stated that the theme was apt and timely, noting that, every child irrespective of their peculiar circumstances deserves the right to live, thrive, be protected and given access to justice.
She emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard children's rights and ensure their well-being.
Hon. Irom maintained that, most street related children are survivors of inadequate child protection services, poverty, family break down as well as witch - craft branding.
She therefore called on government, civil society, community Leaders, religious Leaders and members of the public to desist from punitive approaches and embrace right -based approaches to child development which promote children's access to justice, education, health care as well as integration with the society.
Hon. Irom condemned in strong terms the recent incidence of maltreatment of street children by officials of Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) on March,19,2026 adding that, these children are already psychologically traumatized and as such require care and support from the government and members of the society.
The Commissioner charged all relevant government agencies, development partners, civil society as well as the general public to push for stronger child protection policies, increased funding for rehabilitation programmes as well as the implement of the Cross River State Child's Rights Law in order to make Cross River a state fit for a child.
Every child deserves care, protection and justice.
Rekpene Uket
