By Sylvia Akpan
Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) , a nonprofit organization in partnership with the Coalition of Youth Serving NGOs and Individuals, has marked the International Day for Street Children in Calabar, Cross River State.
The International Day for Street Children, observed every year on April 12th, aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by millions of children living and working on the streets worldwide.
BRCI to mark the day embarked on outreach to some street children in the State capital where food among other items were distributed to the children in Lemna, Bogobiri and Marian.
Funded by a United Kingdom based charity organization, Safe Child Africa.
BRCI Coordinator Mrs. Ese Ibor called on the State Government to fully implement the Cross River Child Rights Law 2023 and make a State-fit-for- a child.
Mrs. Ibor emphasized that with this year’s theme “Embracing Belonging” is calling for the government to commit to equal rights, protection, provision of basic services and creating specialized solutions like the press statement issued a few days ago.
Cross River State Coordinator of Child Protection Network and member of the Coalition Youth Serving NGOs, Kebe Ikpi said there are stories of people with near-death experiences, properties taken away, or whose houses have been burgled courtesy of street children.
Mrs. Linda Etako-Agaji, Founder, Lindcare foundation said children deserves the right to a better life.
She said families have a huge role to play in proper upbringing of their children. While calling on other NGOs to do more in creating awareness, they enjoin the government to implement laws that are beneficial to children.
The media were also charged to step up their reportage on street children.