THE CHILD'S RIGHTS AS PROVIDED UNDER THE CHILD'S RIGHTS ACT, 2003

Abstract

It is known generally that in the traditional African Society, Nigeria inclusive, the attitude of the family and even government towards children is warm and full of expectations for a better tomorrow. This work critically appraised the child's rights as provided under the Child's Rights Act, 2003. In so doing the researcher used doctrinal method of data collection from secondary sources like, books, decided cases, statutes and Internet. After examining, the Child's Rights Act with respect to its scope, substance and content we found that the Child's Rights Act, 2003 is the first comprehensive enactment dedicated to care for the protection and welfare of the Nigerian children. Similarly, we found out that they still exist some gaps in the Act, especially on the areas of penalty or punishment for failure to perform some duties and obligations created by the Act. Finally, we made some recommendations, which include that the Government should establish standards and procedure guaranteeing care in the areas of health, education and safety. We therefore, concluded that children need special protection because they are the most vulnerable group of the society.