A CRITIQUE OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN’S SOCIAL WELFARE RIGHTS IN THE FACE OF ARMED CONFLICT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Armed conflicts have left populations vulnerable to appalling forms of violence, including systematic rape, abduction, amputation, mutilation, forced displacement, sexual exploitation and genocide. The wide and yet covert availability of light, cheap arms has contributed to use of children as soldiers as well as high levels of violence even after conflict abates. The breakdown of social protection leaves girls vulnerable to unwanted/unplanned pregnancy and threatens all children with separation from their families, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, disability and severe, long-term psychological complexities. An estimated 90 per cent of global conflict-related deaths since 1990 have been women and children. Nigeria has earned a notoriety of being one of the most violent countries in Africa and the world. This situation has led to fatal deaths due to oil, religious conflict, Boko Haram insurgency and more recently Biafra Agitation. This study explores a critical analysis of the legal framework for the protection of children’s social welfare rights during armed conflicts in Nigeria through an examination of Governments commitment and capacity, critical analysis of available legislations and instruments, as well as enforcement of same, identification of attitudes, customs and practices that encourage abuse of social welfare rights of children during armed conflicts.