The Child Protection Network (CPN ) Plateau state Chapter with support from Rule of Law and anti Corruption ( ROLAC) has commenced a two day training for judges and law enforcement officers in order to improve the application and enforcement of the state child rights law 2005 in the state.
Speaking at the occasion on Tuesday, the Plateau State Coordinator for the Child Protection Network (CPN), Mrs. Sandra Chikan said the training, which started on Tuesday, was to ensure that law enforcement officials, especially those dealing with gender and children’s issues, are fully versed in the law and its implementation.
Mrs Chikan elaborated on the rights granted to children under the law, emphasising the responsibility of parents and community leaders in guiding children.
In her words “I want to begin by saying that the key stakeholders in this room represent the men and women working tirelessly in the field to uphold the cause and the rights of children. ‘
“It is for that reason that you were carefully selected and invited to this capacity-building workshop.”
“The Child Protection Network is a coalition of state and non-state actors united in the prevention of, and response to, child abuse, neglect, and exploitation at all levels.”
She added that “Plateau State, in recent times, has continued to witness an increase in the number of child abuse cases.”
“The Child Protection Network, in partnership with ROLA, initiated, supported, and put this program together because we found that it would be greatly beneficial to the children of Plateau State if we built the capacity of core stakeholders who are the duty bearers, of those who have been given the responsibility of ensuring that our children get justice.”
“. We hope that through this workshop, we will talk with one another, engage in meaningful conversations, and reach a point where we all agree as stakeholders that this cause is important enough for us to put systems and structures in place, and to collaborate.”
The Plateau State Coordinator for the Child Protection Network (CPN) Mrs Chikan also added that at the end of training, participants would come up with strategies, collaborative calls to action, and programs within their respective organizations that will help protect children’s rights.
“Especially for our legal officers, we hope that you will be strategically positioned to handle these issues effectively and ensure that justice for children is not delayed or denied.”
Deborah Nyam a court Magistrate lauded child protection network for the training .
She charged participants to be open to learning ,this training is very important to the Judiciary ,Nyam further said .
