Background of the Study:
In Nigeria, the Child Rights Act (CRA) was enacted to ensure the protection and promotion of children’s rights across the country. The Act aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and serves as a critical legal instrument aimed at safeguarding the welfare of children, including their right to education, health, protection from abuse, and the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives. However, the implementation of child rights laws in many parts of Nigeria, including Minna, Niger State, remains a significant challenge. Despite the legal framework, numerous barriers prevent children from fully enjoying these rights, particularly in rural areas (Oluwaseun, 2024).
In Minna, the capital of Niger State, the practical application of child rights laws is often hindered by a combination of factors, including lack of awareness, inadequate resources, and cultural practices that are sometimes in conflict with the provisions of the Child Rights Act. Issues such as child labor, early marriage, and poor access to education continue to affect children in the region (Sadiq & Ibrahim, 2023). The law’s enforcement is also compromised by a lack of effective monitoring mechanisms and weak institutional frameworks at the state and local government levels. This study seeks to assess the challenges faced in the implementation of child rights laws in Minna, examining both legal and socio-cultural barriers to their enforcement.
Statement of the Problem:
Although the Child Rights Act offers significant legal protections for children in Minna, there are significant challenges to its full implementation. These challenges include limited awareness of the law among parents, children, and local authorities, as well as cultural practices that undermine the rights of children. Additionally, there is a lack of institutional capacity to enforce child rights laws effectively. The failure to address these challenges has led to persistent violations of children’s rights, such as child labor, trafficking, and denial of access to education. This gap in implementation hampers the potential for positive change in the lives of children in Minna and across Niger State.
Objectives of the Study:
To assess the challenges faced in implementing child rights laws in Minna, Niger State.
To examine the role of local authorities and community leaders in the enforcement of child rights laws in Minna.
To evaluate the impact of cultural practices on the implementation of child rights laws in Minna.
Research Questions:
What are the major challenges in implementing child rights laws in Minna?
What role do local authorities and community leaders play in enforcing child rights laws in Minna?
How do cultural practices affect the enforcement of child rights laws in Minna?
Research Hypotheses:
There are significant challenges in the enforcement of child rights laws in Minna due to lack of awareness, resources, and institutional capacity.
Local authorities and community leaders play a limited role in enforcing child rights laws in Minna.
Cultural practices in Minna have a significant negative impact on the implementation of child rights laws.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study will focus on Minna, Niger State, and will assess the implementation of child rights laws in urban and rural areas within the state. The research will involve interviews with children, parents, local government officials, and community leaders. Limitations include the difficulty of accessing sensitive information regarding child rights violations, particularly in rural areas, and the potential reluctance of participants to share information due to fear of legal repercussions.
Definitions of Terms:
Child Rights Act (CRA): A Nigerian law that aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and provides protections for children, including the right to education, health, and freedom from exploitation.
Child Labor: The exploitation of children through work that deprives them of their childhood, education, and potential.
Cultural Practices: Traditions and customs that are part of a community's way of life but may sometimes conflict with legal or human rights standards.
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