Parents urged to curb child abuse through better care
DAR ES SALAAM: CHILDREN from various parts of Dar es Salaam Region have called on parents and guardians to fully embrace their responsibility of raising and caring for them, warning that neglect contributes to the growing number of street children and cases of violence against kids.
They made the appeal recently during celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child (DAC), jointly organised by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) and the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC).
In a statement presented during the event, the children said that despite efforts by the government and other stakeholders to combat child abuse, some parents continue to neglect their responsibilities, undermining those efforts.
The Day of the African Child is observed annually on June 16. This year’s theme was: “Children Are Nurtured: Building Strong Families for a Stable Nation.”
“As we celebrate this important day, we remind our parents and guardians to remain committed to their responsibilities. This includes ensuring that we enjoy our basic rights and needs, such as access to education, opportunities to play and the right to be heard and recognised,” part of the statement read.
LHRC Executive Director, Dr Anna Henga, called on child welfare stakeholders to intensify efforts in supporting the government’s fight against violence and abuse targeting children, including rape, abduction and other forms of rights violations.
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“We continue to witness a rise in sexual violence against children. We must not remain silent on an issue that affects their lives and the well-being of society as a whole. Let us support the government’s efforts and work together to end these acts,” she said.
THRDC Director of Programmes and Operations, Ms Halima Sonda, urged stakeholders to support government initiatives aimed at ensuring children have access to clean and safe water, handwashing facilities and hygienic environments both at home and in schools.
