By Kemi Akintokun

Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) has advocated for stringent and swift punishment for individuals who maltreat domestic workers, especially children.

The Advocacy Manager of CAPRIGHTS-VP, Mrs Olufunmilola Coker, made the call at a school sensitisation outreach held at the Idimu Junior College in Egbeda, Lagos State, with the theme “Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment.”

Coker, who spoke to the students using Yoruba language in line with the school’s observance of Yoruba-Speaking Day, observed every Wednesday in Lagos State public schools, educated them on the five basic rights of children.

She highlighted the rights as the right to education, health, safety, family life and recreation/play.

Coker noted that many children were deprived of these rights and endured harsh living and working conditions, with limited access to education and healthcare.

She called for collective efforts to protect children serving as house helps.

“Every child has the right to education, just like each of you here today.

“No child should be deprived of this right, as education is the foundation of a brighter future.

“Education helps shape children into responsible adults and plays a major role in reducing the number of dysfunctional families in the society,” she said.

The students were grouped into three different groups for focused, interactive conversations while the groups were handled by Mrs Mercy Joshua, Programme Coordinator and Mrs Agatha Chinedu, the Security Protection Officer of the centre.

The students and teachers were encouraged to report any case of child abuse or maltreatment to the relevant government agencies.

The School Principal, Mr Olajide Idowu, applauded the centre for its consistent commitment to championing the rights of vulnerable children.

Idowu encouraged both the teachers and students to make use of the toll-free lines to report any case of abuse or rights violations.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that no fewer than 500 students and 20 teachers participated in the outreach. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu