From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
A human rights organisation, Stand For Humanity Foundation, has taken the campaign against child abuse to Umuozu community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, sensitising residents on the need to protect children from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
The President of the organisation, Mr Chidiebube Okeoma, who addressed villagers at Nkwodim Square, warned that anyone found guilty of abusing children risked imprisonment.
Okeoma, who also addressed a large gathering of children drawn from the community, urged them to conduct themselves responsibly and take their education seriously.
The human rights activist disclosed that his organisation was intensifying efforts to tackle child abuse, adding that several alleged offenders had been arrested and were either in police custody or facing prosecution.
He encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards were enrolled in schools, stressing that every child has a fundamental right to education.
According to Okeoma, “every child deserves to grow in an environment of love, not hatred and abuse. Children are meant to be loved, mentored and protected, not dehumanised. Please desist from abusing children in your care. If we catch you, you must go to jail.
”Our organisation has zero tolerance for child abuse. Send the children in your care to school. It is a crime to keep a child out of school in violation of the law.
”Children are gifts from God, so stop abusing them. If you do not have the temperament to tolerate the inadequacies of children under your care, take them back to their biological parents or hand them over to the appropriate government authorities.
”In this 21st century, abusing children, exposing them to harmful practices or engaging in sexual relations with them are criminal acts. Our organisation, Stand For Humanity Foundation, is at the forefront of the campaign to protect children’s rights.
”If we must build a future that will be good for all of us, every child must be protected. Say no to child abuse” he passionately advised.
His address was greeted with applause from members of the community, several of whom reportedly volunteered to collaborate with Stand For Humanity Foundation in its efforts to combat child abuse.
The campaign provided an opportunity to sensitise parents, guardians and children on the importance of creating a safe environment where every child can enjoy love, care, protection and access to education.
