By Atlantic Reports

Nigeria has called for stronger international cooperation to protect children from violence, trafficking, sexual exploitation and emerging online threats, saying funding constraints were limiting protection efforts in developing countries.

Ambassador Bola Asaju made the appeal on Monday during the 13th plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee, which handles social, humanitarian and human rights matters.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, Asaju reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating violence against children and strengthening the systems intended to prevent abuse and support survivors.

The delegation urged international partners to help countries translate global commitments into practical interventions within communities.

Girls and online safety

Nigeria highlighted the vulnerability of girls to sexual violence, trafficking, exclusion from education, and early and forced marriage.

It said protecting and empowering girls must remain central to international child protection efforts.

The delegation also raised concerns about online exploitation and other forms of abuse associated with digital technologies, calling for renewed cooperation to address these threats.

Asaju requested information from UN experts on initiatives that could support vulnerable children and strengthen national protection systems.

For children and families, the practical challenge is access to services that can prevent harm, respond safely to reports of abuse and provide sustained support.

National commitments and regional cooperation

Nigeria cited its National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children as evidence of its commitment to prevention and protection.

The delegation also recalled Nigeria’s hosting of a regional ministerial-level meeting of the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, bringing together African governments, UN agencies and development partners.

It said the national plan focused on legal reforms, improved services and public awareness.

The supplied account did not provide funding figures, implementation timelines or outcome data showing how many children had received assistance under the plan. Those measures would help establish how national commitments are translating into protection.

UN reports grave violations in conflict

Nigeria’s intervention followed presentations by senior UN officials responsible for children affected by armed conflict, violence and sexual exploitation.

Vanessa Frazier, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, said the UN verified 38,558 grave violations against children during 2025.

According to the UN figures presented, those violations affected 24,174 children, the highest verified number of children affected since the monitoring mandate was established. The number of violations is distinct from the number of children, as an individual child may suffer more than one violation.

The UN identified Nigeria among countries experiencing particularly serious violations, alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.

Reported violations included killing, maiming, recruitment, abduction, sexual violence and attacks on schools and hospitals. The supplied account did not give a separate total for Nigeria.

Nigeria’s appeal places emphasis on international support, but effective protection also depends on national delivery: functioning reporting systems, accessible services, sustained funding and accountability for those who harm children.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.