Child Abuse: An Urgent Call to End Child Labour

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Daily, the cases of child labour and abuse continue to rise thereby damaging the child's body in the process or in extreme cases, causing the child's death. It has therefore become imperative to call for an urgent end to all forms of child labour and abuse.

The sentencing of the abusive couple in Enugu state is a welcome development and we expect more for such perpetrators because children do not deserve such inhuman treatment for no fault of theirs. How can sane people torture a 10-year-old this much without consideration for her age and the pains she could be going through?

Attention!

1. Parents: it is time to stop using your child as a means to an end through child labour. Find ways to support your family and allow the children to enjoy their childhood.

2. Guardians: did you know that it is possible to care for that your foster child the same way you care for yours? Start by refusing to accept any underaged child as a maid and when you do due to unavoidable circumstances, endeavour to show some empathy by treating that child like the human being that he or she is. Say 'no' to any form of child labour and abuse.

3. Government: there is a need to do more to protect the children such as increased monitoring and prompt prosecution of child offenders. There should also be more awareness about the implications of child abuse or labour and where to report offenders.

4. Everyone: protecting the child is a collective effort therefore it is important not to look away or stay silent when a child is being abused around you.

5. Religious and Community leaders: you also have a role to play in ending child labour and abuse, especially in the area of awareness. Those you lead have to understand that they should not engage in any form of child labour and abuse for the sake of the child's future.

Let's not forget that children are also humans and have rights. Stop the abuse for the sake of their future.