During the Safeguarding and Child Protection Awareness Campaign 2024 held on Wednesday in Lagos, advocacy group Yeshua’s Arm urged for the establishment of community courts specifically dedicated to addressing cases of child abuse. The campaign aimed to educate communities on the importance of child safety, welfare, and education, emphasizing that it is a fundamental right for every child to be protected and cared for.
At the event, over 2,000 informational flyers were distributed by volunteers and team members, and open discussions were held to raise awareness about child protection issues.
Mrs. Kemi Williams, CEO and founder of Yeshua’s Arm, stressed the pressing need for a community-centered approach to combat child abuse. She highlighted that recent findings indicated ongoing abuse within communities, calling for stronger measures. “The current efforts to address child abuse have been limited, and stronger measures, such as community courts, could help deter potential abusers by showcasing swift and strict consequences,” Williams stated.
She emphasized the necessity for clear consequences for abusers and called for urgent handling of these cases. “Community courts would not only expedite the judicial process but also ensure that cases of child abuse receive the attention they deserve,” she explained. Williams advocated for a system where community advocates can report and follow through on abuse cases, as many incidents remain unreported due to victims and their families feeling powerless.
Ms. Abiodun Ogunkeye, Lead Educator/Trainer, added that increased funding and capacity are essential to effectively combat child abuse. “We have done what our current capacity allows, but there’s still much work to be done,” she noted, expressing hope for greater media coverage and public awareness to develop new strategies.
The campaign highlighted the responsibility of every individual to protect children. Ogunkeye pointed out that many children suffer in silence due to fear or age, often waiting years to disclose abuse, which can have lasting impacts on their lives. The emphasis was placed on vigilance within communities to ensure children’s safety and well-being.