NGO demands end to criminalising street children
A non-governmental organisation, Street Mentors Network (SMN), has urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to strengthen child protection laws and end the criminalisation of street-connected children.
The Executive Director of SMN, Anita Michael, made the call in Uyo during a press briefing and stakeholders’ engagement to mark the 2026 International Day of Street Children, themed “Protect, Don’t Punish.”
Share this:
*Michael with some stakeholders
A non-governmental organisation, Street Mentors Network (SMN), has urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to strengthen child protection laws and end the criminalisation of street-connected children.
The Executive Director of SMN, Anita Michael, made the call in Uyo during a press briefing and stakeholders’ engagement to mark the 2026 International Day of Street Children, themed “Protect, Don’t Punish.”
Michael said the day goes beyond awareness, describing it as a call to conscience and a reminder that street-connected children are neither invisible nor expendable.
“Justice for these children means protection from abuse, access to education, safe shelter and care, as well as opportunities to grow and thrive,” she said, stressing the need for increased government investment in education, shelter, and reintegration programmes.
She noted that many of the children endure hunger, rejection, and hardship through no fault of their own, but due to systemic failures and societal neglect.
According to her, factors such as poverty, family instability, abuse, lack of access to education, harmful cultural beliefs, and stigmatisation push children onto the streets.
“Instead of protection, many of these children face harassment, criminalisation, violence, exploitation, and denial of basic rights. No child should be treated as a criminal for trying to survive,” she added.
Highlighting the organisation’s impact, Michael disclosed that in 2025 alone, SMN supported 530 children through various interventions, provided shelter for 12 vulnerable children, returned 25 children to school, empowered 350 girls, trained 105 youths in vocational skills, and engaged 25 boys through sports mentorship, alongside broader advocacy campaigns.
The group also called on community leaders and traditional rulers to reject harmful stereotypes, protect vulnerable children, and report cases of abuse and neglect.
It further urged the media to amplify marginalised voices, shift public narratives from blame to protection, and support evidence-based interventions.
Other stakeholders at the event included SP Bala Nike, a Police Superintendent in charge of Child Trafficking and Child Theft; Joy Ubong, Executive Director of Youth for Change Initiative; and John Umoh, State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network.
They commended SMN’s efforts and emphasised that protecting children today is critical to securing the future.
A beneficiary, Master Churchill Hogan, expressed gratitude to the organisation, particularly Anita Michael and Programme Manager Prince Nyong, for rescuing him and others from life on the streets and giving them a new lease of life.
