Advocacy and Campaigning
Background
The Prevent Abandonment of Children Today Campaign was launched by Stepping Stones Nigeria and the Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) in November 2006 in response to the widespread abuses of children's rights taking place in Akwa Ibom State due to the deeply held local belief in child 'witches'.
Aims
1 - To highlight the abandonment, torture and killings of children stigmatised as 'witches' in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria
2 - To advocate for the rights of children stigmatised as 'witches' at a local, regional and international level
2 - To advocate for the rights of children stigmatised as 'witches' at a local, regional and international level
Key Demands
1 That the Nigerian federal government enact legislation making it illegal for children to be branded as 'witches'
2 That the Akwa Ibom State Government work with all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan of action to protect and save the lives of children branded as 'witches'
3 That the Akwa Ibom State Government begin to regulate the activities of churches known to be violating the rights of children
4 That the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) bans all home videos that promote superstitious beliefs and lead to the stigmatisation of children as 'witches'
4 That the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) bans all home videos that promote superstitious beliefs and lead to the stigmatisation of children as 'witches'
Events and Successes So Far
November 2006 - 1st International Symposium on Preventing Abandonment of Children Today (PACT) - Villa Marina Hotel, Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Click here to read introductory speech.
November 2007 - 2nd International Syposium on Preventing Abandonment of Children Today (PACT) - Esit Eket Local Government Headquarters, Akwa Ibom State. Click here to read wecome address by Sam Itauma, CRARN.
January - March 2008 - Anti-Child Trafficking Tour of Primary and Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom state
May 2008 - PACT Child Rights Rally, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Click here to read press coverage of event.
July 2008 - After nearly two years of lobbying by SSN and CRARN the Akwa Ibom State Government enact the Child Rights Act. Click here to read press coverage of this success.
November 2008 - Documentary Film - Saving Africa's Witch Children - is broadcast on channel 4 in UK
May 2009 - The Child First Conference: Preventing Abuse of the Nigerian Child Today. Click here to read Child First Conference Communiquè