Defend, Educate, Inform
Date of Decision: 6 December 2025
Mechanism: African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Summary of the case: Children accused of witchcraft in Akwa Ibom State and other parts of Nigeria have reportedly been subjected to abuse, abandonment, social exclusion, and denial of access to education and health services.
The case alleges that the State has failed to prevent, investigate and remedy these violations and has not taken adequate measures to protect affected children from harmful traditional practices and exploitation.
Decision: 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
Date of Decision: 6 December 2025
Mechanism: African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Summary of the case: Children accused of witchcraft in Akwa Ibom State and other parts of Nigeria have reportedly been subjected to abuse, abandonment, social exclusion, and denial of access to education and health services.
The case alleges that the State has failed to prevent, investigate and remedy these violations and has not taken adequate measures to protect affected children from harmful traditional practices and exploitation.
Decision: 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
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