Anti-human trafficking group advocates for protection of child domestic workers’ rights

A youth-led anti-trafficking and human rights organization, the Devatop Center for Africa Development, has called on the Nigerian government to strengthen policies to protect the rights and dignity of child domestic workers.

The Managing Director of Devatop, Joseph Osuigwe, made the call on Saturday at a stakeholder political dialogue in Lagos aimed at reviewing progress since the first dialogue in April.

He stressed the need for effective implementation of policies to protect CDWs.

He explained that the dialogue addressed exploitation of children as domestic workers, policy gaps and effective implementation.

Mr Osuigwe stressed that protecting children from exploitation is a civic duty and not charity.

He expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to practical plans to strengthen policy implementation.

He said: “Devatop has made significant progress through training programs, community engagement and support services.”

He added that efforts so far include training CDWs and their guardians on child rights and protection, as well as establishing the CDWs Rights Forum in two communities with over 80 participants

Other measures he listed included training 40 community influencers to become child rights champions, establishing a forum to promote child protection, responding to reported child abuse cases and involving community influencers in awareness campaigns.

The Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Human Trafficking in Lagos, Comfort Agboko, called for strong synergy between stakeholders and partners to create a child-safe environment.
She emphasized effective coordination and cooperation between state and non-state actors.

Ms Agboko advocated for the training of law enforcement officers and judges, better access to justice for children and a rebranding of law enforcement agencies that deal with children’s matters.

Representatives of key organizations, including the Freedom Fund, the Ministry of Labor and the National Human Rights Commission, attended the event and demonstrated their commitment to combating CDW exploitation.

(NAN)