The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has hailed President Bola Tinubu over the release of detained minors who took part in the nationwide protests in Nigeria.
UNICEF in a statement on its official website on Wednesday welcomed the immediate action taken by President Tinubu who has directed the release of all children and young persons detained on charges linked to the #EndBadGovernanceProtests.
UNICEF said it acknowledges this decision as a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of minors in conflict with the law.
It also commended the involvement of the Honorable Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and the Ministry of Women Affairs in swiftly addressing this issue.
The release order pertains to 119 children and young persons, some facing serious charges with UNICEF saying it highlights the commitment of the Nigerian government to uphold national and international standards in the treatment of minors.
UNICEF added that it will continue to work closely with the federal government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that children’s rights are fully upheld in Nigeria
It further urged the Federal government to take all necessary steps to prevent the detention of children and to safeguard their well-being.
“Children in conflict with the law must be treated humanely, with dignity, and must not be detained in adult correctional facilities,” the statement read.
“We are deeply encouraged by this directive from the President which prioritizes the welfare of these children,” added UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate.
“UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Nigerian government in ensuring that every child is treated with the care and protection they deserve.”
In collaboration with Federal and State Governments, UNICEF has also committed to undertake a comprehensive case management plan for the released children that includes family tracing, mental health and psychosocial support, recovery and reintegration services.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Tinubu charged the pardoned minors to make sure they become responsible citizens.
Shettima representing Tinubu on Tuesday charged the 119 suspects in the August 1 protests in both Kano and Kaduna States to ensure that they use the opportunity given them by the latter’s presidential pardon to become responsible citizens of Nigeria.
The vice president passed the charge to the pardoned suspects, just as he advised them to desist from acts that lead to violence and destruction of public and private property.
According to him, the federal government is finding solutions to challenges confronting the nation.
Shettima spoke during the formal handover of 112 suspects, 73 from Kano and 39 from Kaduna States, to their respective governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Seven of the pardoned suspects had earlier been granted bail, and three were released to their parents, making a total of 119.
At the brief ceremony, the Vice President, who spoke in English and Hausa languages, said despite overwhelming evidence against the suspects, including their involvement in the destruction of public and private property worth billions of naira, President Tinubu ordered their release on humanitarian grounds, giving them another chance to become responsible citizens.