UNICEF, EU collaborate with Nigeria Police to enhance handling child-related cases
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU) have joined forces with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to provide specialized training to officers on handling cases involving children.
The partnership resulted in a two-day workshop held at the Police College in Lagos, which concluded on Wednesday.
The workshop was attended by officers responsible for children and gender issues within the Lagos command, as well as representatives from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
During the event, Denis Onoise, a child protection specialist from UNICEF, emphasized the importance of treating all cases involving children and vulnerable individuals without discrimination.
Onoise urged the officers to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the child rights act to effectively address cases concerning minors.
He emphasized the need for officers to approach interviews with children who have experienced sexual and domestic violence with a calm and sensitive demeanor.
Rita Oki Emesim, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Gender at the Force Headquarters, stressed the significance of taking rape cases seriously.
Emesim emphasized that sexual assault cases should not be resolved through forgiveness but rather through the prosecution of suspects.
She said: “Rape is a very serious offense. There is nothing like forgiveness. Prosecution of suspects must take place in court.
“Rape affects the psychology of the survivors for a very long time. Those appealing for the forgiveness of the suspects instead of prosecution should be ignored.”
Emesim urged police officers to approach child and gender-related cases with empathy, emphasizing that their work as law enforcement officers is a humanitarian endeavor.
Lasisi Babatunde, an officer acting as UNICEF’s gender focal person, outlined the procedures for handling cases involving children.
He instructed his colleagues to prioritize the safety of the child while addressing matters of domestic and sexual violence.
Babatunde emphasized the importance of not conducting interviews with children without the presence of a trusted adult and encouraged officers to exhibit friendliness and kindness throughout the process.
He also encouraged collaboration with stakeholders such as the social welfare department and local leaders to ensure the best interests and confidentiality of the child are upheld.
