Petition Against Forced Marriage of Orphaned Girls in Niger State
Petition Against Forced Marriage of Orphaned Girls in Niger State
Why this petition matters
To Whom It May Concern,
We, concerned Nigerian Citizens, are deeply concerned about the recent announcement by the speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, regarding his plans to marry off 100 orphaned girls who lost their parents due to banditry attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area.
It is our firm belief that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the right to education, protection, and a safe upbringing. The decision to marry off these vulnerable girls under the guise of preventing fornication is not only morally reprehensible but also a violation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Article 18 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly states that every child shall be entitled to free, compulsory, and universal primary education, free from discrimination on any grounds whatsoever. Additionally, Article 15 guarantees the right to dignity of the human person, which includes protection from any form of degrading treatment.
We urge the Niger State Government to uphold its duty to protect the rights of these orphaned girls by prioritizing their education and well-being. Rather than subjecting them to forced marriages, we call upon the government to provide adequate support, including access to quality education and proper care in well-managed orphanage homes.
Furthermore, we implore the Nigerian government to intervene in this matter and ensure that the rights of these vulnerable girls are upheld in accordance with the constitution and international human rights standards.
We demand immediate action to halt the proposed forced marriages and to instead implement measures that will empower these girls to lead dignified and fulfilling lives.
Sincerely,
Concerned Nigerians
15th May, 2024