A civil rights group, Bridge Connect Africa Initiative, on Sunday, challenged the Kano State Government to urgently facilitate the passage and implementation of the Child Protection Bill, as a firm commitment to take away almajirai from Kano streets.
Briefing newsmen on implications of the non-implementation of the bill, the Executive Director of the group, Sani Muhammad, argued that the delay in passing the CPB puts more young girls and children at risk of such occurrences, due to harmful practices and sexual exploitation in the state.
“As soon as the Bill is passed, it becomes unlawful for anyone to have sex, with a child, as the bill criminalizes child sexual exploitation, as anyone caught will risk the punishment of a minimum of 14 years imprisonment.
“This means that there will be reduction in sexual exploitation of children in the state,” he said.
Furthermore, the group argued that, if the Kano State Government eventually signs the Child Protection Bill 2018, it will to a large extent protect and prevent girls from early and forced marriage.
“Children have the right to survive, develop, be protected and participate in decisions that impact their lives. The Kano State Child Protection Bill is an important Bill, if passed into law, will benefit all children in Kano State.”
According to him, the Bill states that:” no person shall have sexual intercourse with a child, this means sexually exploiting children in any way is a criminal offence punishable with life imprisonment under the law of Kano State Government and child sex offenders will no longer get away with their actions, once the Child protection Bill is passed.”
While arguing that the Child Protection Bill criminalizes sexual abuse against children, Muhammad stressed that it also provides protection for children, as well as justice for all victims, which will serve as a deterrent to intending offenders.
“If passed, the bill has made provisions for a female child, who becomes pregnant before completing her education to be given the opportunity after delivery to continue with her education on the basis of her individual ability.”
