Fundamental Human Rights and Rights of the Child
Introduction
Human beings are born with basic rights and freedoms that allow them to live with dignity, equality, and security. These rights are called human rights, and when applied to children, they are referred to as rights of the child.
Meaning of Key Terms
- Human Rights: Basic freedoms and protections every person is entitled to simply because they are human.
- Fundamental Human Rights: Rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution (1999, Chapter IV), enforceable by law.
- Child Rights: Special rights of children (persons under 18 years) as provided by the Child’s Rights Act (CRA) 2003.
- Best Interest of the Child: Any action concerning a child must promote their health, safety, development, and well-being.
Fundamental Human Rights in Nigeria
The Constitution guarantees every citizen:
- Right to life.
- Right to dignity of the human person (freedom from torture and degrading treatment).
- Right to personal liberty (freedom from unlawful detention).
- Right to fair hearing.
- Right to private and family life.
- Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
- Freedom of expression and the press.
- Freedom of assembly and association.
- Freedom of movement.
- Freedom from discrimination.
- Right to acquire and own property.
Meaning and Importance of Child Rights
Children are persons under 18 years of age. The Child’s Rights Act (CRA) 2003 brings constitutional/UDHR rights to the child’s level and adds extra protections based on the best interest of the child.
Rights of the Child
- Right to survival and development – live a healthy life free from neglect or discrimination.
- Right to a name, identity, and nationality – birth registration is essential.
- Right to health and medical care – access to immunization and basic health services.
- Right to parental care and maintenance – protection and support from parents/guardians.
- Right to education – free and compulsory primary and junior secondary school education.
- Right to leisure, recreation, and culture – play, sports, and participation in cultural activities.
- Freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, and association – within age-appropriate limits.
- Protection from abuse, neglect, trafficking, and child labour – children should never be exploited.
- Protection from early or forced marriage – marriage under 18 is prohibited.
Responsibilities of Children and Citizens
- Children: Attend school, respect elders and peers, obey laws, maintain personal hygiene, and respect national symbols.
- Citizens: Respect the rights of others, protect public property, obey laws, and report violations.
Common Violations and Examples
- Human rights violations: Unlawful detention, torture, denial of freedom of expression, discrimination.
- Child rights violations: Physical/sexual abuse, neglect, child labour, forced marriage, trafficking, denial of education.
Protection and Reporting
- Report violations to a trusted adult, school authority, Child Protection Unit, NHRC, police, or family court.
- Keep evidence and seek medical care where necessary.
- Learn about UDHR to understand international human rights standards.
Life Skills for Respecting Rights
- Empathy and tolerance – avoid bullying or discrimination.
- Peaceful communication – resolve conflicts respectfully.
- Refusal skills – say “no” to abuse or exploitation.
- Community service – helping peers, keeping classrooms and community spaces clean.
Assessment Questions
- Define human rights and fundamental human rights.
- List six fundamental human rights in Nigeria.
- Explain two lawful limitations to rights.
- State five rights of the child under the CRA.
- Mention three child-rights violations and one way to prevent each.
- What does “best interest of the child” mean? Give a classroom example.
- Name two places to report rights violations and the type of information to provide.
