Child abusers must be identified, dealt with

Zim Now Writer

Government is ramping up efforts to protect the rights of children by adopting a two-pronged approach that will see the victim getting assistance while perpetrators are brought to book.

This comes as several cases of the assault on the rights of children have been recorded.

Speaking at the commemoration of World Children’s Day in Harare, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is also Minister of Health and Child care said government is deeply concerned at the rise in instances where minors below the age of 10 are falling pregnant.

“I would like to assure you all that whilst we are ramping up programmes to ensure the victims are rehabilitated, it is now imperative that the perpetrators are dealt with, in terms of the laws of the land,” said Chiwenga.

He added that government is committed to working on key priority areas to enhance the protection and nurturing of children.

“These include the advancement of digital learning for school-age children, radio and television lessons as well as positioning children within the national action strategies to address climate change, among others.”

Unicef country representative Dr Tajudeen Oyewale called for the inclusion “where the rights of all children are respected. Children with disabilities have the same rights as all other children.”

European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann commended government for taking a leading role in promoting the rights of children.

Child Speaker of Parliament Monalisa Mwoyoweshumba called for the enactment of policies, and infrastructure that catered for the needs of all children, including those with disabilities.

On the other hand, former child president Hazel Mandaza emphasised the importance of involving children when dealing with issues that affect them.

Recently, a nine-year-old girl from Masekesa Village in Tsholotsho gave birth into a baby boy through Caesarean section. It also emerged that she had been raped, while another one of the same age from Bindura was last week reportedly raped by two 17-year-old boys.