The Ebonyi North Children’s Parliament has taken a bold step in advocating for the rights and welfare of children in the region. At a special sitting held at the Abakaliki Local Government Area Legislative Chamber in Nkaliki, young parliamentarians addressed pressing issues affecting children, with a strong emphasis on education, child abuse, female genital mutilation (FGM), and parenting.
During the session, the parliament condemned FGM as a violation of children’s rights and called on the government to enforce strict penalties against those still engaging in the practice. The young lawmakers argued that laws against FGM should go beyond awareness campaigns and ensure full prosecution of offenders to serve as a deterrent.
Education was another key concern raised during the sitting. The parliamentarians urged the government to improve learning conditions in schools across Ebonyi North, citing poor infrastructure, inadequate teaching materials, and a lack of essential facilities. They emphasized that quality education remains the foundation for national development and a fundamental right for every child.
The special sitting marked the beginning of a statewide initiative to allow children to express their concerns directly to policymakers. Organized by the Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Centre in partnership with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, with support from Saint Patrick’s Missionary Society, the program aims to empower children to advocate for their rights.
The Ebonyi North Children’s Parliament is part of a broader movement to amplify children’s voices in governance. Similar sittings will be held across Ebonyi’s three senatorial districts, ensuring that children’s issues receive the attention they deserve.
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