rule – curtail the realisation in practice of the principle of separation of powers with its inherent checks and balances. 6 3.6 The government has introduced several reforms in the civil service since 1999. However, these have not resulted in an effective, accountable and efficient civil service. Demoralising issues such as poor pay, political patronage, a slow response to technological change and modern organisational methods, corruption and gross indiscipline characterise the civil service. These have resulted in declining efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. Multifaceted strategies are needed to bring about standardisation and the adoption of appropriate staff-development policies, which are essential for the development of a professional and effective public service. 3.7 Corruption is endemic at all levels of society and has been described as a way of life in Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are actively engaged in fighting corruption. However, they are underresourced and are sometimes seen to be influenced by the executive. Corruption, especially the use of money in politics, greatly hinders the development of constitutional democracy in Nigeria and undermines the principles of good governance. 3.8 Nigeria is a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Nigerian women, like women in most traditional societies in Africa, are nevertheless discriminated against and marginalised because of prejudicial cultural practices and beliefs. Women are largely underrepresented on elective and nonelective decision-making bodies at federal and state level. Calls for affirmative action measures have not yet been heeded. Affirmative action would go a long way to ensuring the effective quantitative and qualitative inclusion and participation of women in public life and decision-making fora. It would enable women’s issues to be put on the national development agenda. 3.9 Nigeria has signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), but the rights of children are still not well established. Only 18 out of 36 states have so far implemented the Child Rights Act. There are prevailing traditional practices that violate children’s rights. They include female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced early marriages. Other issues of concern include high rates of infant and child mortality, child trafficking, rape and sexual harassment, child labour, children living on the streets, lack of quality education and gender inequality. A holistic and multisectoral effort is needed from all concerned to address the plight of children. 3.10 The care of vulnerable groups, including the disabled and the poor, has been largely left to families, with little intervention from the government. Nigeria has signed but has yet to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). As a result, the rights of PWDs are inadequately protected and promoted at federal level and in several states. Most lack the necessary policy and institutional frameworks and adequate resources to protect PWDs. There is no current law or policy that specifically addresses the rights of PWDs. There are internally displaced