By Ramatu Garba
The Kano state government has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) framework on child justice, diversion and accountability to strengthen the administration of child justice.
The framework is being implemented in collaboration between the Kano Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The document was developed at a two-day workshop on Friday in Kano, organised by the Kano Ministry of Justice under the Justice for Children (J4C) programme with support from UNICEF.
The theme of the workshop is: ” Strengthening Child Justice through Diversion, Coordination and accountability in Kano state.”
Ms Fatima Adamu, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF, said the SOP would provide a clear framework for justice sector institutions in handling children in conflict with the law.
She said that the Kano State Child Protection Law 2023, introduced diversion as an alternative approach to handling children accused of minor offences.
According to Adamu, the global trend in child justice emphasises restorative justice rather than punitive measures.
“We want children who commit minor offences to undergo rehabilitation, reintegration and community-based support instead of detention where they may become hardened criminals.
“Diversion gives children another opportunity to become responsible adults and productive citizens.
“The SOP will serve as a guide for justice sector actors and will be institutionalised as a state reference document for child justice administration,” she said.
Adamu said that UNICEF would continue to support the Kano state government through technical assistance, capacity building and coordination with relevant institutions to strengthen child protection systems.
She highlighted that the UNICEF agency partnered in training magistrates, Sharia court judges, social workers and other justice sector stakeholders on child protection issues and support coordination on issues of gender based violence and survivors of violence.
“UNICEF’s role is to help the government see where the gaps are, provide the necessary technical support to bridge the gap, and then continue to provide guidance to government to continue to roll out and implement technical skills support for women and children,” she said.
Mr Idris Bawa, a UNICEF Consultant, said that the proposed SOP focused on child justice, accountability and coordination among institutions responsible for child protection.
Presenting a paper titled: “Child Justice and Diversion in Nigeria: Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework,” Bawa advocated a child rights-based approach to justice administration.
He stressed the need for child-friendly justice, diversion, rehabilitation, restorative justice, family reunification and non-discrimination.
The Kano Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude (SAN), described the workshop as timely, saying that it would strengthen the protection of children’s rights in the state.
Maude said that the implementation of the SOP would promote restorative justice where appropriate and reduce unnecessary prosecution of children.
“The objective is to ensure children are protected from molestation, harassment and exploitation throughout the justice process.
“What we need after developing this document is effective implementation. If all stakeholders carry out their responsibilities, Kano will have a more peaceful society that respects the rights and dignity of every child.
“Protecting the rights and welfare of children remains a key priority under the administration of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf”, he said
The commissioner commended UNICEF for its sustained support to the state in strengthening legislations and institutions for child protection
He reaffirmed the state government commitment toward promoting diversion, rehabilitation, accountability and the best interests of every child.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, described the development of the SOP as a major step toward effective implementation of the Kano Child Protection Law 2023.
Represented by Mahe Bashir-Wali, the emir said that modern criminal justice should focus on correction and rehabilitation rather than punishment, particularly for children.
“This framework will help divert vulnerable children from criminality and redirect them towards productive lives,” he said.
He urged traditional institutions to continue partnering with the government in creating awareness on child protection laws and promoting their implementation at the community level.
The exercise was attended by judges, magistrates, law enforcement officers, legal practitioners, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba