THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD TO HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL

Objective of Study: The aim of this study is to investigate the fundamental rights of children to healthy environment. It examined the legal frameworks that provide for their protection and analysed factors that exacerbate violates child’s right to healthy environment. Method: The study employed doctrinal method of legal research which include the use of textbooks, journals and internet materials. The methodology is comparative and analytic in scope. Theoretical Framework: Jonatham Porritt, avers that children’s right is inextricably linked to environmental health and noted that children are disproportionately vulnerable to environmental hazards due to their developing physiology and inability to protect themselves. While, Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development emphasizes the role of environment in shaping children’s thinking and understanding of the world. Uri Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of different environmental system in shaping children’s development. Furthermore, Montessor’s educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of a prepared environment in supporting children’s self directed learning and development. Pradip Kumar Maurya focuses on the human and natural causes of environmental degradation, its consequences and potential mitigation strategies emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. Result: The study confirms that despite plethora of laws on the protection of children from unhealthy environment, many still suffer due to lapses in our legal frame work. Consequently, the work recommends for more proactive measures in enforcing environmental health rights, which include, holistic action such as collaboration of civil societies and Government for the protection and enjoyment of their environmental rights.