A CRITIQUE OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN’S SOCIAL WELFARE RIGHTS IN THE FACE OF ARMED CONFLICT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Armed conflicts have left populations vulnerable to appalling forms of violence, including systematic rape,abduction, amputation, mutilation, forced displacement, sexual exploitation and genocide. The wide and yetcovert availability of light, cheap arms has contributed to use of children as soldiers as well as high levels ofviolence even after conflict abates. The breakdown of social protection leaves girls vulnerable tounwanted/unplanned pregnancy and threatens all children with separation from their families, increased risk ofsexually transmitted infections, disability and severe, long-term psychological complexities. An estimated 90 percent of global conflict-related deaths since 1990 have been women and children. Nigeria has earned a notorietyof being one of the most violent countries in Africa and the world. This situation has led to fatal deaths due tooil, religious conflict, Boko Haram insurgency and more recently Biafra Agitation. This study explores a criticalanalysis of the legal framework for the protection of children’s social welfare rights during armed conflicts inNigeria through an examination of Governments commitment and capacity, critical analysis of availablelegislations and instruments, as well as enforcement of same, identification of attitudes, customs and practicesthat encourage abuse of social welfare rights of children during armed conflicts.