The United Nations Children’s Fund Bauchi Field Office has intensified efforts to address growing child rights violations in parts of Northeast Nigeria by convening a high-level stakeholders’ roundtable focused on child protection, survival, and welfare.

The organisation reaffirmed that child protection is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed at every level—within families, communities, and across national institutions—while stressing the urgent need for stronger collaboration to safeguard children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The one-day advocacy meeting, held in Gombe, brought together journalists, social welfare professionals, security personnel, legal practitioners, and traditional leaders from Adamawa State, Bauchi State, and Gombe State. The engagement was aimed at strengthening existing child protection systems and deepening advocacy for the rights and wellbeing of every child.

Despite the domestication of laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Child Rights Act, many children in the region continue to face serious threats to their survival, safety, and development.

Speaking at the event, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, stressed that child rights begin at birth and must be protected throughout every stage of a child’s life. She noted that birth registration is the first right every child should enjoy, alongside access to immunisation, proper nutrition, healthcare, and quality education—critical foundations for children to reach their full potential.

Dr. Rafique expressed deep concern over the disturbing rise in sexual violence against children, revealing that even infants as young as six months old have been victims of abuse. She described the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable, warning that such violations leave lasting physical and psychological scars on survivors.

She identified poor education and limited awareness as major factors fueling child rights abuses, arguing that investing in children’s education today would help build more informed and responsible parents in the future.

Dr. Rafique called on the media, traditional institutions, government agencies, and communities to take active roles in promoting child rights awareness and ensuring effective enforcement of child protection laws. According to her, safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that requires collective commitment beyond government interventions.

Also speaking at the meeting, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Ladi Alabi, presented troubling data on sexual violence against children in Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states, highlighting the prevalence, drivers, and devastating effects of abuse on children’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

She noted that many cases remain unreported due to stigma, fear, and limited knowledge of available support systems, stressing the need for a coordinated response involving government institutions, civil society groups, the media, and community leaders.

The roundtable is expected to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders, improve referral pathways for survivors, and sustain advocacy efforts aimed at preventing abuse and ensuring better protection for children across the region.