Prominent government officials, human rights advocates, and civil society representatives voiced serious concerns about the worsening situation of street children in the state capital, urging collaborative efforts and overdue accountability.
This initiative was to commemorate the International Day for Street Children, observed every April 12.
This year’s theme, “Participation,” served as both a challenge and a call to action to ensure that children’s voices are included in the decisions impacting their lives.
During the event, Hon. Edema Irom, the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, referred to street children as “innocent victims of circumstance,” rather than criminals or witches, as some cultural narratives suggest.
She highlighted the necessity for a united front involving government, civil society, the media, and all citizens to address this escalating issue.
“If we fail to act now, we risk creating a multi-generational crisis where children, parents, and eventually grandparents find themselves living on the streets. That would be a tragedy,” Hon. Irom cautioned.
The Commissioner acknowledged the support of Cross River State’s First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and Governor Bassey Otu, recognizing them as “champions of the People First agenda” for their commitment to tackling the street children’s crisis.
In a heartfelt message to families, Hon. Irom urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children and to not blindly follow religious leaders who promote harmful practices.
“Many of these children end up on the streets because they are labeled witches by self-proclaimed pastors. Parenting is a sacred duty—we cannot neglect it,” she stated.
Bringing a legal perspective, James Ibor, Principal Counsel at the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), delivered a passionate speech criticizing the government’s failure to enforce the Child Rights Law of 2023 and to provide necessary services for at-risk children.
