Police urge stronger collaboration to combat child abuse
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has called for strengthening systems to protect vulnerable children, recognising that the response to abuse can either safeguard them or silence their voices.
Zanzibar Police Commissioner (CP) Kombo Khamis Kombo made the appeal to international organisations and Zanzibaris in general, asking them to enhance cooperation in the fight against sexual abuse and violence involving children.
He made the call during a joint capacity-building workshop held recently at the Zanzibar Police College, which brought together officers from the Gender and Children Desk and the international non-organisation (SOS Children’s Villages).
CP Kombo noted that SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting a number of initiatives, including the Our Safety First in Schools programme, training for police officers and the provision of logistical equipment to the Police Force.
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He urged officers from the Gender and Children Desk to continue embracing new skills and knowledge, particularly in dealing with online-based sexual abuse and cyber-related crimes.
On her part, SOS Children’s Villages Director, Ms Asha Salum Ali, said the organisation would continue working closely with the Police Gender and Children Desk to ensure proper childcare, upbringing and protection, with the ultimate goal of building a safer society.
Meanwhile, Police Inspector Wilferd Willa, representing the Head of the Gender and Children Desk at Police Headquarters, commended international partners for their continued commitment to combating child abuse and violence.
