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Govt. geared to protect children – Mubukwanu
Solwezi, June 17th, 2013, ZANIS — North-western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu says government is committed to ensuring that children in the province are protected from all negative vices that can hinder their normal growth.
Mr Mubukwanu says government would like to see children grow through the normal development stages without them falling prey to any harmful social and cultural practices.
ZANIS reports that the Provincial Minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by District Commissioner, Crispin Likando in Solwezi District , today.
This was during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child whose theme is “Eliminating Social and Cultural Harmful Practices Affecting Children-Our Collective Responsibility,”.
Mr. Mubukwanu expressed worry over the escalating incidences of sexual crimes against children within families and urged people in the province not to keep quiet whenever such crimes occur but to report to relevant authorities to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
He appealed to traditional leaders as custodians of custom, beliefs, norms and values to help in putting in place strategies that will do away with negative social and cultural practices such as early marriages while safeguarding core traditions.
Mr. Mubukwanu noted with sandiness that children both girls and boys especially in rural area have continued to be subjected to certain anti-social cultural practices that have seen them out of school and more vulnerable to premature deaths and diseases such as HIV/AIDS among others.
Speaking earlier Gender and Child Development Officer, Chipoka Simukanga called for a collective responsibility by all stakeholders in promoting and protecting children’s rights.
Mr. Chipoka thanked all stakeholder who contributed towards making this event a great success.
And a grade seven pupil, Nadia Kamocha said children have a right to enjoy their rights, adding that government should consider engaging children more in issues of national importance that concern them.
Kamocha said education is their right which government together with any parent or guardian must fulfill for them and appealed for the consideration of gazetting this day as a public holiday to enable all children take part in the celebrations.
