THE COMPLEXITIES IN SUSTAINING CHILD’S RIGHTS AND WELFARE AGAINST ABUSE: THE LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Child’s rights and welfare connote the protection and provisions of necessaries for the proper upbringing of the child. The parents, guardians, teachers and even elder siblings are expected to care for the wellbeing of the child. Thus, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Child Rights Act made provisions for the protection of the child’s rights and welfare in the Nigerian societies. Sustaining the child’s rights and welfare in the society is burdened with some complexities such as domestic violence and sexual inducement. Due to children’s vulnerability and inability to protect themselves from undue influence, they have often be victimized with consequential untold hardship, drug abuse and sexual abuse in the Nigerian societies. The recurrent of these ugly trends gave rise to this research. In this regard, the research adopts the doctrinal legal research methodology and examines the complexities in sustaining child’s rights and welfare against abuse. The research therefore recommends a reformation in enforcement strategies and frequent enlightenment programmes on child’s rights and welfare in every nook and cranny of the society. This will in effect enhance sustainability of the child’s rights and welfare in Nigeria.