Govt vows to intensify fight against rape, sodomy

DODOMA: THE government has strongly condemned acts of rape and sodomy against children, warning that it will continue to take legal actions against perpetrators.

Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Ms Mwanaidi Ali Khamis said this in the National Assembly yesterday, adding that the government has taken various measures to address the matter.

Ms Khamis responded to the question after Special Seats MP Ms Fatma Hassan Toufiq asked the government regarding girls who become pregnant as a result of rape, especially those impregnated by their fathers or close relatives.

In her response, the deputy minister insisted that rape is a criminal offence under the Criminal Procedure Act, the Law of the Child Act Cap 13 and other laws that oppose violence against children.

Additionally, she said that legal actions have been taken to address the problem as the government continues to implement the second phase of the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children for the period 2024/2025 to 2028/2029.

“This plan focuses on eliminating violence, including rape and incest related pregnancies, where girls are impregnated by their biological fathers or other close relatives,” Ms Mwanaidi explained.

She said the government also continues to take care of victims of rape and sodomy, who were forced to vacate from homes due to discrimination, at designated safe homes as well as providing health care for the recovery.

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She added that the government also provides legal aid to ensure that the victims ensure that their rights are reserved as well as psychological treatments