THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA 2005 - UNDP Nigeria ...

RECOMMENDATIONS1. Children should not be tried in open court. It is recommended that Government should establish afunctional Juvenile­Court system to deal with cases of children in conflict with the law in compliancewith section 204 of the Child Rights Act (2003).2. More remand and borstal homes should be established in the country – at least one in each geopoliticalzone. These remand and borstal homes should be properly staffed and equipped withnecessary tools and equipment.3. The courts, police and prison staff should be made aware and sensitized on basic human rightsstandards and practices in dealing with Children in conflict with the law.4 Discretionary powers should be granted to senior prison officers to bring cases of wrong admissionof children to prison custody, to the attention of the court. They may in such cases apply to courtafter physical observation or advice of the prison medical/social welfare team for such a childto be remanded in a facility meant for children.5 States that have not passed the Child’s Rights Law should take steps towards doing so.6 Implementation of the Child Rights Law by states that have passed the Law should be expedited toenable the children reap the benefits accruing to them under that legislation and reduce theviolations of child rights in Nigeria.58