Edo warns against violation of child rights

Edo State has warned orphanage homes operating in the state against violation of fundamental rights of children in their care, saying also that the guidelines set by the government for orphanages must be strictly observed.

Commissioner for social development and genderissues,mariaedeko,speakingataone-day workshop for proprietors of orphanage homes in Benin, warned that any observed violation of the guidelines would attract severe sanctions.

She said: “This is part of the vision, mission and mandate of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to protect and promote the rights of every citizen. The state government remains committed to protecting and promoting the rights of all vulnerable persons, which include orphans, destitute and other children with challenges.”

Edeko said the workshop was part of the government’s engagement plans to protect women and children, adding “If we must run an orphanage home, we need to teach the owners what to do. A child is entitled to all the rights.

“The child rights laws spell out our stance that no child is for sale. Child trafficking will not be tolerated in Edo. Anyone found wanting no matter how highly placed will be dealt with according to international and state laws,” she warned.

The commissioner insisted that proprietors of orphanages must uphold right practices, adding that every orphanage is supposed to provide an atmosphere where a child takes his/her prep after school, has access to sports facilities, good healthcare services and free education.

Chairman, Association of Proprietors of Orphanages and Children’s Home (APOCH), Edo chapter, Johnbosco Ezehi welcomed the idea of the workshop and described it as the right step towards engaging all stakeholders in the sector.