The United Nation Children’s Fund has condemned the rising cases of kidnapping of children in Cote d’Ivoire, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abidjan, Adele Khudur, UNICEF’s Resident Representative in Cote d’Ivoire, described the situation as ‘seriously unacceptable’.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the government recently reported that more than 21 children were kidnapped across the country in 2014.
“The UNICEF strongly condemns this ugly act, these acts are unacceptable; they constitute serious violations of children’s rights.
“The Ivorian authorities should make every effort by collaborating with relevant stakeholders in order to quickly tackle this ugly trend,” Khudur said.
The UNICEF official said it was worrisome that people could indulge in acts that were inimical to the rights and well being of children.
“Apart from ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those involved in this crime, urgent steps need to be taken to boost awareness across the the country.
“Schools, homes, places of worship and other stakeholders such as security agencies must be aware and willing to strengthen national alert towards tackling this monster,” he said.
Khudur said that many Ivorian children were prone to multiple forms of violence, abuse and exploitation.
“UNICEF remains committed towards supporting government to strengthen the national system of child protection, through the implementation of the National Policy on Child Protection,” Khudur said.
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