The National Human Rights Commission has called for the development and implementation of a program of action by northern state governments to permanently address the challenges posed by the Almajiris’ in the society.
The commission also called on northern states governments to put in place adequate protection programmes, basic support services and empowerment programs for the transfer, return and rehabilitation of Almajiri children.
It also called on northern state governors to address poverty and other socio-economic problems that have made parents send the children to Almajiri settlement in the first place.
The call is coming on the heels of the relocation of Almajiri children in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In an advisory opinion issued in Abuja and signed by the executive secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, the commission noted that the Almajiri children have been exposed to increased vulnerabilities and risks, including death, trafficking, kidnapping, drug use and addiction, recruitment into terrorism, violent crimes, sexual and other forms of assault and forced/child marriages.
(Editor Nkoli Omhoudu)
