12/05/2026
PRESSS RELEASE - CASE UPDATE:
ACERWC Finds Nigeria in Violation in Child Witchcraft Accusation Case
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) 4) Article 11: Right to Education
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.
For more information contact:
Dennis Wangai Njoroge
Communication and Publications Officer (IHRDA)
[email protected] | +220 45 26 155
Sam Ikpe Itauma
President/CEO, Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN)
[email protected] | +2349023416464.
Maimouna Jallow
Communications and Publications Manager (IHRDA)
[email protected] | +34 608 919 919 (WhatsApp only)
