ABUJA – April 7, 2025
The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation in Nigeria is seeking action over an alarming case of Miss Georgia Miracle, a teenage Christian girl who was allegedly coerced into Islam and married off to a Muslim man in Jambutu, Jimeta-Yola. This incident has sparked widespread outrage in Nigeria and raised concerns about the country’s Child Rights Act.
In a press statement, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, the Commission’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission, vehemently condemned the act, emphasizing that the Child Rights Act of 2003 is designed to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.
Dr. Hezekiah cited key provisions of the Act, highlighting the Prohibition of Child Marriage, as outlined in Sections 21 and 22, which prohibit child marriage and betrothal, stating that no person under 18 can contract a valid marriage; and the Punishment for Child Marriage, as indicated in Section 23, which stipulates punishment for child marriage and betrothal.
However, he maintained that the lack of awareness among the public and law enforcement agents about the provisions of the Child Rights Act hinders its effective implementation, as well as corruption and administrative issues which contribute to the failure to effectively protect children’s rights in some parts of Nigeria.
“Child labor, early marriage, and sexual molestation are also prevalent, despite the Child Rights Act.”
As a leading organization founded on international law and dedicated to preserving peace, safeguarding human rights, and fostering international stability through multilateral diplomacy and peaceful dialogue,
“the IHRC shall actively monitor this incident and guarantee the protection of children’s rights, especially girls’, in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the organization’s efforts involve engaging with local authorities, advocating for the enforcement of the Child Rights Act, and providing support to victims of child abuse and exploitation.
Additional reports revealed that the court proceedings unveiled shocking and unsettling details, including inconsistencies in Georgia’s account and admissions by Muslim leaders that they assisted in her conversion.
The IHRC decried the absence and inadequate mobilization of a Family Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over children’s matters, underscoring the urgent need for effective implementation and strengthening of the Child Rights Act to prevent further abuses and ensure the protection of children’s rights.
According to UNICEF, six out of ten children in Nigeria experience emotional, physical, or sexual abuse before the age of 18, with half experiencing physical violence.
This alarming situation may stem from ignorance or simply a high-strung negligence of the law. Whichever the case, it is clear that we all need a re-education on what the rights of a child truly are in Nigeria.
The IHRC will engage the government at all levels and collaborate with the Adamawa State Government under the administration of Rt. Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and other local authorities to mediate action to protect the rights and welfare of Miss Georgia Miracle and enforce the Child Rights Act in Nigeria.
Reported by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria
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To go school and the place or jangul or chamber or market to teach the people they reath
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the Child Rights Act of 2003 should be enforced on this case immediately
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