Press Statement – 5/11/2024
The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) commends the recent decision by President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of all minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place across Nigeria in August.
We recognize the President’s swift action in response to the public outrage surrounding the unlawful detention of minors, and we strongly support his directive to ensure their prompt and safe return to their families. This decision aligns with Nigeria’s legal obligations under both regional and international human rights frameworks that prioritize the protection of children’s rights.
In particular, WACSOF highlights that this move is in line with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), to which Nigeria is a signatory. Article 5 of the ACRWC states that “no child shall be deprived of liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily,” and emphasizes that any form of detention must adhere to principles that serve the best interests of the child. The unlawful detention of minors without consideration for their well-being and legal protections directly violates this principle. WACSOF applauds the President for addressing this issue and safeguarding the welfare of minors involved in the protests.
Additionally, we note that the ECOWAS Child Policy 2019-2030 provides a robust framework for the protection of children’s rights across West Africa, calling for the establishment of child protection systems that ensure the security and welfare of all children, especially during times of political unrest. In particular, the Policy stresses the importance of ensuring that “children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation” (Article 3.2). The Policy also advocates for the promotion of children’s rights to legal protection, fair treatment, and access to justice, particularly in cases where minors are arrested or detained in the course of public demonstrations or protests.
WACSOF further welcomes the President’s instructions to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the immediate welfare of the minors and facilitate their safe reunification with their parents or guardians. These actions resonate with the ECOWAS Child Policy’s commitment to ensuring the social reintegration and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law, as well as the ACRWC’s directive that children deprived of their liberty should be treated with respect for their human dignity and should receive care that promotes their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
As an organization committed to the protection and promotion of human rights across West Africa, WACSOF calls for continued adherence to both regional and international frameworks for child protection, including the ECOWAS Child Policy 2019-2030 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. We advocate for ongoing transparency and accountability regarding the legal processes tied to these protests and urge all stakeholders to uphold the rights of children in all circumstances, particularly in their interactions with the law.
WACSOF will continue to monitor developments closely and remains dedicated to ensuring that the rights of all children in West Africa are protected and promoted in accordance with established international and regional standards.
For further information, please contact:
WACSOF Secretariat: 8, Jaba Close, off Dunukofia Street, Area 11, Abuja, Nigeria
Email: contactwacsof@gmail.com , info@wacsofoscao.org
Phone: +234 903 3939 809
James Ugochukwu
General Secretary
West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)
Key References:
- African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC):
- Article 5: “No child shall be deprived of liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily.”
- Article 17: States that children in conflict with the law should be treated with dignity, with a focus on their rehabilitation.
- ECOWAS Child Policy 2019-2030:
- Article 3.2: Calls for the protection of children from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- Article 6.4: Emphasizes the need for child protection systems to ensure children’s rights are respected, including their welfare during legal proceedings or political unrest.