Stakeholders, Legal Experts Review 2005 Child Protection Law
By Rotmwa Kassam Paulina
In a major step toward advancing the rights and welfare of children, the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, has reviewed the Plateau State Child Protection Law, originally enacted in 2005.
The six-day review session, held at the Sarau Event Centre in Jos, brought together a team of legal experts, child protection advocates, and government officials to address gaps in the existing law and update key provisions to reflect the realities facing children today.
Chairing the subcommittee, a seasoned legal mind, Hon. Justice E. Angai, Chairman of the subcommittee and Family Court Judge, Plateau State High Court of Justice, led the review process with intellectual depth and clarity, focusing on lessons learned from nearly two decades of implementation.
The key areas reviewed include child custody, child guardianship, child fostering, child adoption, child’s right to parental care, protection, maintenance, and child’s right to free, compulsory, and universal primary education, and emphasised that all revisions would uphold the “best interest of the child” as the guiding principle.
In his opening address, Plateau State Attorney-General (AG) and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Audu Daffi Esq., praised the resilience and passion of the review committee. “Your resolve to this noble cause to improve the lives of Plateau’s children through this review is commendable,” he said.
Hon. Daffi appreciated their determination to build a better future for Plateau children as they have chosen to make sacrifices not just of time but of energy and intellect to impact generations and for the sake of justice and equity.
The RoLAC project officer, Jibril Suleiman, provided a roadmap for the next steps, revealing that the Ministry of Justice will refine the draft law for onward technical validation exercise by a special committee, inaugurated by the AG, which would oversee this process before the revised bill is presented to the Plateau State House of Assembly.
He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the subcommittee, whose members often worked from morning till late evening, stating that their dedication is inspiring.
Speaking further, he expressed the hope that their sacrifices would not be in vain as the law would not only bring justice, protection, and opportunity to every child, but would also guarantee the safety, dignity, and rights of every child in Plateau State.
20
Post Comment