This study examined the role of the media in combating child rights violations in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with particular focus on the activities of Do Foundation and the contributions of Glory FM Yenagoa. The study was guided by three objectives, which were to examine the extent to which Glory FM creates awareness about child rights and child rights violations, determine the role of media programmes and campaigns in supporting the advocacy activities of Do Foundation, and assess the effectiveness of media coverage in influencing public attitudes and responses toward child rights protection. The study adopted a quantitative research design, using a structured online questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The population comprised residents of Yenagoa,which is 352,285 according to 2006 Census figure, projected at 579,235 at 2.52% growth rate in 2026, while the sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan formula. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting respondents who were considered relevant to the study. A total of 384 questionnaires were administered online, out of which 340 were properly completed and used for analysis. Data were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The findings revealed that Glory FM Yenagoa plays an important role in creating awareness about child rights and child rights violations, with respondents acknowledging radio as an effective medium for child rights awareness. The study also found that media programmes and campaigns support the advocacy activities of Do Foundation by increasing public awareness and strengthening child rights advocacy. Furthermore, the findings indicated that media coverage influences public attitudes and responses toward child rights protection by encouraging the reporting of child abuse and reducing tolerance for child rights violations. The study concludes that the media remains an important instrument for child rights advocacy and public enlightenment in Yenagoa. It recommends that Glory FM should increase child rights awareness programmes, while stronger collaboration between media organizations and Do Foundation should be encouraged to improve advocacy efforts and promote effective protection of children's rights. Read more

The customary justice system remains the principal mechanism for dispute resolution across many communities in South Sudan, particularly where formal justice institutions are inaccessible. Its accessibility, affordability, and restorative orientation have made it an integral component of the country’s plural legal system. Yet, the continued application of certain customary norms raises significant constitutional and human rights concerns, particularly regarding the protection and promotion of the rights of women and girls. This article, therefore, critically examines the relationship between customary justice, access to justice, and human rights within South Sudan’s plural legal order. Adopting a doctrinal legal research methodology, it analyses the constitutional and statutory provisions governing customary justice, together with relevant regional and international instruments, as well as academic and policy literature. The article argues that the challenge lies not in the existence of customary justice itself, but in ensuring that its operation conforms to constitutional principles and human rights standards. It concludes that meaningful harmonisation, strengthened institutional oversight, and effective implementation of existing legal safeguards are essential to preserving the legitimacy of customary justice while safeguarding fundamental rights. Read more

The girl-child in Nigeria has globally recognized and acknowledged inalienable rights as a member of the human family. However, the rights of the girl-child in Nigeria continues to be violated despite the plethora of laws guaranteeing such rights in domestic and international instruments. This paper examines the legal framework for the protection of the girl child in Nigeria and contends that there are several social, cultural and economic factors that make the laws ineffective in the lives of the girl-child in Nigeria. The laws by themselves are not enough to protect the rights of girl child. There has to be adequate social and economic structures to guarantee the enjoyment of such rights. This work posits that several factors serve as impediments to the realization of the rights of the girl child. These impediments include, non adoption of the Child’s Rights Act 2003 by some states, discriminatory cultural practices, child labour , among others. This work therefore underscores the need for legal reforms including nation-wide adoption of the Child Rights Act 2003, prohibition and punishment of discriminatory cultural practices against the girl child, equal educational opportunities for the girl child, among others to ensure a better realization of the rights of the girl child in Nigeria. Key words: Legal, Framework, Protecting, Rights, Girl-child, Nigeria. Read more