FG pledges commitment to child protection.

The Federal Government has assured that it is committed to child protection, in line with global best practices. 

This was made known by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, at the launch of the Prosecution Guidelines for Handling Cases Involving Children and the Legal Aid Guidelines for Children in Conflict and Contact with the Law and Child Victims. 

The AGF explained that these guidelines, which aim to institutionalize a justice system that recognizes the unique circumstances and vulnerabilities of children, promote child-sensitive standards for prosecutors, emphasizing discretion, dignity, and non-custodial measures such as diversion, restorative justice, and community-based interventions. 

According to him, these guidelines also prioritize rehabilitation over retribution and address the root causes of offending behaviors.

He said the guidelines are expected to bridge gaps in justice administration and ensure procedural fairness, promoting rehabilitative and restorative justice approaches for minors in contact with the law. 

Stakeholders, including UNICEF and the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, have commended the Federal Government for this initiative and urged its full implementation.

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