By Edoamaowo Udeme
Nigeria on 12 February, marked the annual observance of ‘Red Hand Day’, a day dedicated to raising awareness and strengthening efforts to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts worldwide.
According to a UNICEF released statement in Abuja, Despite the international community’s efforts to eradicate this issue, children continue to be exploited by armed actors, with many remaining unidentified and unreported, particularly girls.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria noted that “Red Hand Day” is an important reminder of the ongoing challenge to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts,”
“We applaud the efforts of the Government of Nigeria for the signing of the Handover Protocol for children encountered in the course of armed conflict in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin Region”.
“This moment is also another opportunity for the Federal Government of Nigeria to endorse The Paris commitments to protect children from unlawful recruitment or use by armed forces or armed groups and the Paris principles and guidelines on children associated with armed forces or armed groups.”
