The Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN), The Centre for Human Rights (CHR) and The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), welcomes the decision issued on 23rd of April 2026 by the African  Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) regarding the Child Witchcraft Accusations in Nigeria under Communication No: 0017/Com/001/2021.

The Decision of the Committee

In its decision, adopted during its 46th Ordinary Session (26 November – 6 December 2025, Maseru, Lesotho), the Committee found Nigeria in violation of:

1. Article 5(1) and (2): Right to life, survival and development
2. Article 3 and 13: Right to non-discrimination, including non-discrimination on the basis of disability
3. Article 11: Right to Education
4. Article 16: Freedom from torture and abuse

Case Background

The communication was originally filed on 7 December 2021 by CRARN, CHR and IHRDA  on behalf of children affected by witchcraft accusations in Nigeria. Evidence presented showed that children – often aged between 3 and 14 – are subjected to severe abuse after such accusations.

Data indicates that up to 81% of children in street situations are affected by witchcraft accusations and subsequent abuses. These practices are deeply rooted in cultural and traditional belief systems and have been documented in several states including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

Children accused of witchcraft are frequently subjected to serious forms of violence, including physical assault, abandonment, and, in some cases, death, often involving family members, community actors, and religious figures.

Investigation by the Committee

The Committee conducted a fact-finding mission in Nigeria on 21- 25 July 2025. The delegation held meetings and consultations with government officials in Abuja and Akwa Ibom State and visited government facilities, including shelters, schools, and health centres. Read more

Recommendations by the Committee to the Respondent State

The Committee recommends:

1. The Respondent State to undertake a comprehensive mapping of the status of witchcraft accusation to identify the areas it is prevalent and assess the vulnerabilities of children focusing on the on the States identified in this Communication;
2. Ensure the explicit prohibition of the practice of accusation of witchcraft against children by law across all States of the Federation, and harmonize existing legal frameworks accordingly;
3. Strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and members of the judiciary through targeted training on the impact of witchcraft accusation on children and the gravity of the violence caused on children’s rights;
4. Establish specialized monitoring and response units mandated to receive complaints, investigate cases, and support the prosecution of offences related to witchcraft accusations, and ensure that such units are adequately resourced;
5. Undertake thorough investigation and prosecution of cases of abuse in relation to witchcraft accusations with sanctions appropriate to deter the practice and address impunity;
6. Conduct extensive and continuous awareness raising efforts to address practice of witchcraft accusation and engage community, traditional and religious leaders in eliminating violence against children accused witchcraft;
7. Provide comprehensive support services to affected children, including physical protection, medical care, and psychosocial support, and establish effective referral and reporting mechanisms to ensure access to such services, including access to education.

The Committee has requested Nigeria to submit a report on the implementation of the decision by the Committee within 180 days of receiving the decision as per Section XXI (1) of the Revised Guidelines for Consideration of Communications and Monitoring Implementation of Decisions.

Our Joint Call to Action

While we welcome the decision by the Committee, we call on the Government of Nigeria  to:

1. Ensure the timely submission of its implementation report within the 180-day period.
2. Establish a reintegration framework to support affected children’s return to education and community life.
3. Take urgent action to prevent further abuse and ensure accountability for violations.

CRARN, CHR, and IHRDA will continue to monitor implementation of the Committee’s decision and engage with relevant stakeholders to support measures aimed at protecting children from harmful practices and ensuring accountability for violations. This decision represents an important step towards ending harmful practices against children and strengthening protection under the African human rights system.