CPN Says Rights of Every Child Must be Protected, Enumerates Forms of Child Abuse

By MATTHEW UKACHUNWA

Lagos State Child Protection Network (CPN) has said that the rights of every child must be upheld, safeguarded and protected by all State and non-State actors.

The CPN stated this in a message titled: “Prevention of Child Abuse in Lagos State” which was made available to Right Exposure.

The group said that according to the Child’s Right Law of Lagos State, 2015, a child is anyone below the age of 18 years. It defined child abuse as “any act done by anyone, that is not in the best interest of  the child.”

CPN identified forms of child abuse with the acronym: P.E.N.S which stands for physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.

It explained that physical abuse is the act of causing injury to a child, while emotional abuse “is the repeated rejection and humiliation of a child.”

Neglect as a form of child abuse, CPN expantiatated, is the failure of parents or guardians to provide basic necessities for the child.

“Sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in any sexual activity with an adult or peer,” the Lagos State Child Protection Network said.

It stated that the topic, “My 4 Baskets of Right As A Child” has in it the right to survive and good health, as well as right to development and basic education.

The benefits in the basket of rights, according to CPN, include right to be protected, and be free from all forms of abuse, exploitation, violence, and neglect.

Another is the right to participate, play, be heard, and take meaningful decisions in a peaceful, and loving home.

Child Protection Network (CPN) is a coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government agencies working together to prevent and respond to child abuse and child protection concerns.