Devatop Urges Nigerians to Uphold Child Rights, Children Deserve Protection, Not Servitude

The Devatop Centre for Africa Development has urged Nigerians to reject child domestic servitude, describing it as a grave violation of children’s human rights. The organisation stressed that children must be valued as learners and future leaders, not exploited as labourers.

Speaking at a press conference, Devatop’s Executive Director, Joseph Osuigwe, warned that exploitative child domestic work is rising and poses a serious human rights concern. He explained that many children, particularly girls, endure long hours of work, isolation, poor or no pay, denial of education, and exposure to sexual abuse and stigmatisation.

Child domestic servitude is one of the worst forms of child labour as classified by the International Labour Organisation,” Osuigwe said. “While some may receive food or small wages, most suffer psychological distress and are stripped of their dignity.

Through support from the Freedom Fund and community partners, Devatop has been working to combat child servitude using prevention, protection, community action, and policy advocacy. The organisation has trained over 65 community influencers, sensitised more than 2,500 people, and deployed the TALKAM Human Rights App and hotlines to report abuses. It has also re-enrolled seven children in school, placed five in vocational training centres, and provided safe spaces for over 110 vulnerable children.

Osuigwe urged government agencies to strengthen child protection laws and enforcement, communities to end the normalisation of servitude, and the media to spotlight hidden abuses.

Children are not commodities, machines, or tools for exploitation. They are treasures who deserve love, learning, and protection.