Tots: Victims of Violent Conflict

The world is witnessing a surge in violent campaigns, including terrorism, kidnapping, and armed attacks. Amidst all these, children have been greatly affected. According to the United Nations Security Council, there are six grave violations against children: killing and injuring children, recruitment and use of children by armed forces or armed groups, abduction of children, attack on schools or hospitals, rape and other forms of sexual violence. Regrettably, these have been witnessed in Nigeria’s violent conflict zones to varying degrees.

The consequences of children in Nigeria as victims of armed conflict can be seen from the humanitarian perspective. According to a report, there are an estimated 659,000 displaced children between the ages of five to 11 and 464,000 between 12 and 17 years old. Displacement camps have seen an increasing number of children exposed to preventable diseases due to inadequate living conditions. The ongoing violence in Nigeria has led to a continuous influx of displaced individuals into these camps, putting immense pressure on the limited available resources. This has also increased children’s exposure to sexual violence and exploitation. Young girls struggling to meet their basic needs in these camps are particularly at risk. Many have lost family members due to a lack of food, water, and medical attention, leaving them in desperate predicaments and forcing them to take extreme measures to survive. Recently, attacks on schools have become a new modus operandi, instilling fear among guardians and discouraging them from sending their children to school. According to a report, there have been 70 attacks on schools with 1,683 learners. As such, education in violent conflict areas has suffered a significant setback. Prolonged barriers to schooling will undoubtedly exacerbate poverty statistics. Denying educational opportunities to young people will impact their self-development, productivity, self-reliance, and vulnerability.

There is an urgent need in refugee camps to establish comprehensive measures aimed at safeguarding children from sexual exploitation and abuse. This should entail integrating children’s protection into every aid worker’s core mission. Doing so creates a safer environment that prioritizes the well-being and security of the most vulnerable members of these communities, helping to mitigate the risk of harm and ensuring that children in refugee camps receive the support and protection they deserve.

There is an urgent need to establish comprehensive measures to safeguard children from sexual exploitation and abuse, especially in refugee camps. This should entail integrating children’s protection into every aid agencies’ core mission. Aid workers should be trained to understand the signs of sexual exploitation and abuse and know the appropriate steps to take when such cases are identified. It is also vital to create an environment where children feel safe to report any incidents of abuse. This includes establishing confidential reporting mechanisms.

The Nigerian government must also re-evaluate its approach to providing education services, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Investments should be made to enhance the competence of the teaching workforce, especially in information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities. This would enable remote teaching in difficult-to-reach environments, especially in areas where school infrastructure has been destroyed or disrupted.

Furthermore, a comprehensive strategy addressing livelihoods, nutrition, and child protection is crucial. Although the future may seem bleak for children in crisis-affected areas, concerted intervention measures can pave the way for more favourable outcomes. Governments and humanitarian agencies must act swiftly and collaboratively to safeguard the well-being and the future of these vulnerable children in Nigeria.