Kano State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with UNICEF, has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on child justice, diversion and accountability to strengthen the administration of child justice.
The SOP was developed at a two-day technical workshop in Kano organised by the ministry under the Justice for Children (J4C) Programme with support from UNICEF.
The workshop has the theme: ” Strengthening Child Justice through Diversion, Coordination and accountability in Kano state”.
Speaking at the event in Kano, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Kano Field Office, Fatima Adamu, said the SOP would provide a clear framework for justice sector institutions in handling children in conflict with the law.
She said the Child Protection Law of Kano State 2023 introduced diversion as an alternative approach to handling children accused of minor offences.
According to her, the global trend in child justice emphasises restorative justice rather than punitive measures.
“We want children who commit minor offences to undergo rehabilitation, reintegration and community-based support instead of detention where they may become hardened criminals.
“Diversion gives children another opportunity to become responsible adults and productive citizens.
“The SOP will serve as a guide for justice sector actors and will be institutionalised as a state reference document for child justice administration,” she said.
Adamu said UNICEF would continue to support the Kano Government through technical assistance, capacity building and coordination with relevant institutions to strengthen child protection systems.
She added that UNICEF had over the years, partnered in training magistrates, Sharia court judges, social workers and other justice sector stakeholders on child protection issues and support coordination on issues of gender based violence and survivors of violence.
“UNICEF’s role is to help the government see where the gaps are, provide the necessary technical support to bridge the gap, and then continue to provide guidance to government to continue to roll out and implement technical skills support for women and children,” she said
Also speaking, UNICEF Consultant, Mr Idris Bawa, said the proposed SOP focuses on child justice, accountability and coordination among institutions responsible for child protection.
Presenting a paper titled “Child Justice and Diversion in Nigeria: Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework”, Bawa advocated a child rights-based approach to justice administration.
He stressed the need for child-friendly justice, diversion, rehabilitation, restorative justice, family reunification and non-discrimination.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State, Abdulkarim Kabiru-Maude (SAN), described the workshop as timely, saying it would strengthen the protection of children’s rights in the state.
Kabiru-Maude said implementation of the SOP would promote restorative justice where appropriate and reduce unnecessary prosecution of children.
“The objective is to ensure children are protected from molestation, harassment and exploitation throughout the justice process.
“What we need after developing this document is effective implementation. If all stakeholders carry out their responsibilities, Kano will have a more peaceful society that respects the rights and dignity of every child.
“Protecting the rights and welfare of children remains a key priority under the administration of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf”, he said
The commissioner commended UNICEF for its sustained support to the state in strengthening legislation and institutions for child protection
He reaffirmed the state government commitment to promoting diversion, rehabilitation, accountability and the best interests of every child.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, described the development of the SOP as a major step towards effective implementation of the Kano Child Protection Law 2023.
Represented by Walin Kano, Alhaji Mahe Bashir-Wali, the emir said modern criminal justice should focus on correction and rehabilitation rather than punishment, particularly for children.
“This framework will help divert vulnerable children from criminality and redirect them towards productive lives,” he said.
The Emir urged traditional institutions to continue partnering with the government in creating awareness on child protection laws and promoting their implementation at the community level.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together judges, magistrates, police officers, legal practitioners, officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hisbah, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and other development partners.(NAN)
