International Day for Street Children: BRCI, others advocate implementation of Child Rights Law in Cross River

A nonprofit organization Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) in partnership with the Coalition of Youth Serving NGOs and Individuals, has marked the International Day for Street Children in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The International Day for Street Children is observed every year on April 12th, with the aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by millions of children living and working on the streets worldwide.

To mark the day, BRCI embarked on outreach to minister to some street children in Calabar where food, among other items were distributed to the children in Lemna, Bogobiri and Marian.

And funded by a United Kingdom based charity organization, Safe Child Africa, BRCI Coordinator Mrs. Ese Ibor called on the State Government to fully implement the Cross River Child Rights Law 2023 and make the State-fit-for- a child.

Ibor called on the Cross River State government to be committed to equal rights, protection, provision of basic services and creating specialized solutions in line with this years theme- “Embracing Belonging. This aligns as well with the press release issued a few days ago.

Cross River State Coordinator of Child Protection Network and member of the Coalition Youth Serving NGOs, Kebe Ikpi said there are stories of people with near-death experiences, properties taken away, or whose houses have been burgled by street children.

Mrs. Linda Etako-Agaji, Founder, Lindcare foundation said children deserves the right to a better life.

She said families have a huge role to play in the proper upbringing of their children. While calling on other NGOs to do more in creating awareness, she enjoined the government to implement laws that are beneficial to children.

The media was also charged to step up its reportage, in a positive way, on street children.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)