The Nigerian UPR Media Network has slammed the National Assembly on what it calls dehumanization of the child.
The group which comprises mainly journalists with bias on Human Rights said the position of the National Assembly on the early child marriage in the country must be condemned by all well meaning Nigerian.
The Nigerian UPR Media Network stated this in a press statement issued after a crucial meeting of the body in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
The body after an extensive review of the position of the apex law making body in the country and the reaction that trailed its stand, viewed the National Assembly’s position on the early child marriage as not in line with the tradition and custom of the majority of Nigerians.
The body noted that any child who is below the age of 18 years should not be given out for marriage, since she will not be able to withstand and understand the challenges of family life expected of a married person.
The group further observed the difficulties of the girl child given out in early marriage and appealed to the National Assembly to revisit the issue, especially as it has received wide condemnation from majority of Nigerians.
They maintained that early child marriage is associated with difficulties in child delivery, saying that no amount of poverty should make any reasonable parent to give his child out for early marriage.
The UPR Media Network also called on well meaning Nigerians, individuals, civil society organizations, women groups and corporate organizations to join the advocacy against such ugly trend in the country.
The convener of the group Mr. Pius Dukor charged parents to be firm in the defence of this law, which he said may make many Nigerian children to miss their education in life.
It could be recalled that several organizations have stayed protests in Abuja against the position of the National Assembly, which has prompted the Senate President, David Mark to promise revisiting the law. ###
Pius Dukor
