The United States of America on Tuesday reiterated its pledge to end violence against children in Nigeria by working hand-in-hand with the relevant agencies.
The US Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Maria Brewer, stated this in Abuja at the programme launch for the Year of Action to End Violence against Children.
Brewer said all children must be protected from abuse, violence, exploitation and neglect, adding that violence against children was never justifiable.
The envoy said violence was preventable but expressed concern that physical and psychological violence against children still occur in schools, homes and on the streets.
She said: “UN reports that every day and in every country, girls and boys suffer from and witness violence.
“This happens in all cultures and across all socio-economic classes. Violence does not discriminate along ethnic or tribal lines.
“Violence against children occurs for many reasons, in many diverse settings and is sometimes rooted in cultural and social practices.
“Such violence has devastating consequences for children’s health, development and well-being.
“Sadly, most violent acts against children are carried out by people they know.
“As a society, we must strive to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against children.”
Brewer said Nigeria conducted violence against children survey in 2014. This, she said, was the first of its kind in West Africa.
According to her, the survey provided the data to form a clear depiction of the nature and extent of the problem.
She said this bold first step was funded through PEPFAR in collaboration with the National Population Commission and the US Center for Disease Control.
She said the survey helped civil society and government leaders to formulate a plan of action to address this ongoing problem and suggest solutions.
Brewer said international cooperation also played a critical role in the success of the survey.
She said the survey was funded by CDC, which provided significant technical support through an agreement with UNICEF.
She said: “Building on the survey results, the Government of Nigeria convened a technical working group.
“The group, led by Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, developed the Nigeria Violence against Children Response Plan.
“This plan, funded by USAID through a grant to UNICEF, includes representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, as well as external stakeholders.”