UNICEF BLAMES EXTREME HUNGER, VIOLENCE AND CIVIL STRIFE IN AFRICA AS FACTORS CAUSING DEATH OF CHILDREN AND HAZARDOUS MIGRATION.

The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Chinyere Okunna says greed, misguided policies, ethnic and religious belief as well as sentiment must be addressed for child development and overall good of the society.

Professor Okunna who spoke on this year’s World Day Against Child Labour, canvassed for encouragement of creativity in children instead of waiting till adulthood.

She explained that child education, healthcare, hygiene, morality and accessibility to safe water as well as food should be given priority attention.

Also, the UNICEF, Enugu Field Officer, Dr. Ibrahim Conteh, condemned extreme hunger, violence and civil strife in Africa as factors causing death of children and hazardous migration.

June 12 every year is observed as World Day Against Child Labour. It is a Day set aside to raise awareness about the menace of Child Labour around the World.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), estimated that hundreds of millions of children were involved in work that deprived them of their right to education, health, leisure and basic freedoms.

It is believed to be rampant in developing countries, because of the greater number of immigrant children in industrialized countries and were forced to do hazardous works.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Generation Safe and Healthy,” which focused on the need to improve the safety and health of young workers and end Child Labour.

IFESINACHI UGWUEZE AND EMEFIENA OKONKWO