The Anambra State Government has threatened to arrest and prosecute parents of kid hawkers and beggars.
According to the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, it’s an offence to find children hawking and begging in the streets of towns of Anambra.
The commissioner, who spoke during the celebration of this year’s International Day of Families, explained that the prohibition of children hawking would ensure the survival, proper development and protection of every child in the state.
Explaining further that the measure would also serve as a deterrent to parents and guardian, she said: “The rate of hawking and begging on our streets by children and the rate of child sexual abuse, trafficking and maltreatment in the state are alarming.
“The use of children for domestic labour, negligence and maltreatment on the part of parents and guardians contradict the tenets of the Child Rights law.
“The ministry is ready to arrest and prosecute anyone – parents or guardians – who abuse the fundamental rights of children in the state.
“From next week, if we see any child hawking or begging on the street, that child will identify whoever engaged him or her and we will arrest the person.
“The ministry would continue to sensitise parents on the need to send their children to school and prioritise their upbringing. Education and proper upbringing of children remain the only way to eradicate poverty and crime in the society. These children need care, love, support and sense of belonging, not abuse or domestic labour.”