SADC campaign dissuading violence against kids launched
World Vision Southern African interim leader, Jean-Claude Mukadi.IMAGE : GIFT NDOLWANE
By MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – WORLD Vision, the global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation, has launched a momentous programme to address the rampant violence against children in Southern Africa.
The launch in Johannesburg, South Africa is part of World Vision’s roll-out of the global campaign to curb the menace.
Legislators, children’s rights advocates, among them children, from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) attended the launch.
“The protection of children is one of the core areas of programme of the organisation,” said World Vision Southern African interim leader, Jean-Claude Mukadi.
“We are against violence meted against children, hence the importance of this campaign,” Mukadi added.
The launch of the campaign titled, “It takes a world to end violence against children”, the initiative has been launched against the backdrop
of some 500 million to 1,5 billion children experiencing violence annually worldwide.
Statistics indicate in every five minutes, a child dies as a result of violence globally.
In Southern Africa, child marriages, rape and child labour are among the most severe violations of children’s’ rights.
Zambian children’s rights activist Margaret Musonda (17), called for the full implementation of the law.
“The laws are there but they must be applied so that stiff penalties can be meted out against culprits. Stiff punishment should be effected so other perpetrators are deterred from defiling children,” she said.
Memory Kapinama (18) from Malawi, a survivor of child/forced marriage, lamented such violations were wrecking the futures of children.
Dr Jessie Kabwila, President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum bemoaned the prevalence of corporate punishment which remains widespread despite its outlawing in many countries.
This punishment comes under the guise of disciplining children.
“It is unjustifiable under any means,” she said.
Wednesday’s launch took stock of progress made by Southern African countries, following the Addis Ababa pledges, in addressing violence against children.
“The significant attendance by government representatives and other stakeholders is testament the use of violence against children is a matter
governments in the region are concerned with and are committed to addressing,” Mukadi said.
“We are against violence meted against children, hence the importance of this campaign,” Mukadi added.
The launch of the campaign titled, “It takes a world to end violence against children”, the initiative has been launched against the backdrop
of some 500 million to 1,5 billion children experiencing violence annually worldwide.
Statistics indicate in every five minutes, a child dies as a result of violence globally.
In Southern Africa, child marriages, rape and child labour are among the most severe violations of children’s’ rights.
Zambian children’s rights activist Margaret Musonda (17), called for the full implementation of the law.
“The laws are there but they must be applied so that stiff penalties can be meted out against culprits. Stiff punishment should be effected so other perpetrators are deterred from defiling children,” she said.
Memory Kapinama (18) from Malawi, a survivor of child/forced marriage, lamented such violations were wrecking the futures of children.
Dr Jessie Kabwila, President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum bemoaned the prevalence of corporate punishment which remains widespread despite its outlawing in many countries.
This punishment comes under the guise of disciplining children.
“It is unjustifiable under any means,” she said.
Wednesday’s launch took stock of progress made by Southern African countries, following the Addis Ababa pledges, in addressing violence against children.
“The significant attendance by government representatives and other stakeholders is testament the use of violence against children is a matter
governments in the region are concerned with and are committed to addressing,” Mukadi said.
In .
– CAJ News
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