EU and SOS Children’s Villages Launch Child Rights Office

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, with support from the European Union (EU), inaugurated the Child and Youth Ombuds Office in Edo State to improve children's access to justice and protection. Project Manager Innocent Maduekwe emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities to effectively protect children's rights.

The initiative is part of the EU-funded Strengthening Child Care and Protection Systems in Nigeria (SCPSN) project, which aims to enhance childcare systems in Edo, Borno, and Plateau states. The Ombuds Office, established in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), will provide a safe platform for children to report rights violations.

NHRC State Coordinator Olumide Dosumu noted that the system complements existing laws and empowers children to seek redress. Additionally, two trained officers will manage the Ombuds unit at the NHRC office in Edo State.

The Edo State Ministry of Education's representative, Mrs Agbonze Ehijie, stressed the collective responsibility of stakeholders in protecting children's rights.