By Funmilayo Olagunju

|

Right to dignity of human person is a constitutional right applicable to every human being regardless of gender or age. A child or young adult is equally entitled to human dignity and the law protects them from degrading treatments.

Section 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution provides:

“Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly-

(a) no person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment;

Degrading treatment under the disguise of ‘discipline’ is prohibited by law. Parents, guardians and care givers should be mindful of the dignity of their children. The following are examples of unlawful behaviors which violates the dignity of the person to whom it is done;

1. Exposing the nudity of a person (young or old) as punishment.

2. Emotional, verbal and psychological abuse (name calling, repeated insults etc.)

3. Examining the private region of a person (particularly a female) for non medical purpose. Some parents are in the habit of forcefully ‘examining’ their teenage daughters to ascertain her chastity. This is an offensive conduct.

Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 prohibits offensive conducts:

“A person who compels another, by force or threat, to engage in any conduct or act, sexual or otherwise, to the detriment of the victim’s physical or psychological well- being commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or to a fine not exceeding N500, 000.00 or both.”

In disciplining a person (young or old), the dignity of his/her human person should be preserved. When a person is accused of any offence, the fellow is presumed innocent until he/she is convicted by court of competent jurisdiction. Uphold the dignity of others and do not take the laws into your own hands.

“And now a word to you parents. Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice”

Ephesians 6:4 (Living Bible)