The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the sentencing of one Umar Farouq, a 13-year-old girl who was recently found guilty of blasphemy to 10 years in prison in Kano State.
UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, September 15 2020.
He said, “…it is also a violation of the African charter on the rights and welfare of the child which Nigeria ratified in 2001, and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003, which domesticates Nigeria’s international obligations to protect children’s right to life, survival and development.”
“The sentencing of this child –13-year-old to 10 years in prison with menial labour is wrong.
“It also negates all core underlying principles of child rights and child justice that Nigeria and by implication, Kano State has signed on to,” he added.
