The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for addressing cases involving children in conflict with the law were unveiled by the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with UNICEF and the European Union (EU), marking a significant advancement in defending the rights and wellbeing of children in Nigeria. At the Force Headquarters in Abuja, in the IGP’s Conference Hall, the unveiling took place today, June 8, 2023.
The creation of these SOPs is a significant step in the endeavor to guarantee that the Nigeria Police Force responds consistently and successfully to situations involving children who come into touch with the law or who are in conflict with it. The goal is to build a framework via standardization of the processes that prioritizes the defense of the rights and best interests of these defenseless children while simultaneously advancing justice and rehabilitation.
The Nigerian Police Force, UNICEF, and the European Union worked together to design the SOPs, combining their knowledge and resources to handle the particular difficulties and complexities posed by situations involving children. The UNICEF and EU’s participation highlights the international commitment to and support for Nigeria’s efforts to improve its child protection systems and guarantee the execution of children’s rights.
These SOPs include a thorough collection of instructions and protocols that specify the right strategy, values, and steps for law enforcement agents to take while dealing with child victim instances. The procedures include a variety of topics, such as how to arrest, detain, and question minors as well as how to preserve their rights to legal counsel, privacy, and safety from harm and abuse.
The Nigeria Police Force hopes that by implementing these SOPs, its officers will behave more professionally, responsibly, and transparently when interacting with kids who are in trouble with the law. The protocols stress how crucial it is to treat kids with respect, uphold their rights, and offer them the right kind of assistance and direction throughout the legal process.
Additionally, the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force, UNICEF, and the EU will endure once the SOPs are released. To assess the effectiveness of the SOPs and pinpoint potential areas for improvement, efforts will be made to strengthen coordination processes, data gathering, and monitoring systems.