NBA sensitises students about zero tolerance for sexual abuse

By Adenike Ayodele

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, on Thursday sensitised students of Ikeja junior and senior high schools about zero tolerance for sexual and other forms of abuse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day outreach is aimed to enlighten the students on how to get lawyers’ representation whenever child abuse occurs.

The outreach with the theme: “Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse: Speak Out”, featured presentations on basic children’s rights.

The Chairman of the branch’s Human Rights Committee, Mrs Tracy Amadigwe-Dike, said that children were important to every society and should have their rights adequately protected.

Amadigwe-Dike, also the Vice-Chairman of the branch, told the students that their rights as contained in the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, were meant to protect them from physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

According to her, even harsh words affect children’s reasonings and mindsets.

She regretted that parents, sometimes, spoke harshly to their children.

“We have received various cases of sexual abuse, and that has become worrisome to us.

“We are urging you not to be afraid to report sexual abuse when it occurs around you or to you, even if it is your parents that abused you.

“The law does not allow it,” she said.

The vice-chairman advised the students to speak up and report to the association’s legal clinic, if any teacher would touch them inappropriately.

“As a student, if a teacher touches you or makes unwanted advances, you have to report it to us at the legal clinic, which holds every Thursday morning.

“We promise to help you to get representation in court,” she said.

Other members of the committee addressed the students also on human rights matters.

Mrs Linda Igiewe spoke on children’s right against discrimination and their right to equal access to education.

Mrs Chinenye Ude spoke on the right of children not to be exposed to the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances. (NAN)

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Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Ijeoma Popoola