EU, NGOs unite against child abuse
Nov 25, 2014
European Union (EU) has teamed up with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) to stop violence against children in a programme called stopping violence against child domestic workers.
By Oyet Okwera
European Union (EU) has teamed up with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) to stop violence against children in a programme called stopping violence against child domestic workers.
This programme that targets East Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be spearheaded by NGOs like; International Day of the African Child and Youth (IDAY), ActionAid Uganda and Plan Uganda.
Mariam Nyakake, a project coordinator who works at IDAY, a child advocacy NGO said it is unfortunate that reports indicate that domestic work is regarded in tradition as part of child rearing. Nyakake observes that this is due to poverty, increased population, ethnic differences and increased demand for domestic services.
“In Uganda, some parents are happy to send their children to work in people’s homes because it paves way to reduce burden of feeding and supporting the children,” observes Nyakake
She was speaking to journalists recently during a press conference to inaugurate EU’s support towards child protection at IDAY offices in Kampala.
Since children are defenceless against forms of abuse inflicted on them, Nyakake urged all stakeholders to unite and help defend the children through legal means.
“As we celebrate the 25th United Nations conventions against child abuse, we should appeal to all legislators to intensify awareness on protecting rights of children,” said Martin Kiiza, Secretary General at National Council for Children (NCC)
Kiiza called on all stakeholders to reflect on how to partner and look into details of addressing issues that affect children. As government, he said there has been increased vigilance through introducing 116, a toll free number for reporting cases against children.
Kiiza commended IDAY for its partnership initiative with other NGOs like; Uganda Children Centre (UCC), African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect. (ANPPCAN)
Anselm Wandega, executive director at African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) noted that in urban areas, most children are doing work meant for adults. Wandega commended IDAY for ensuring that child activist work together to fight for children’s rights.
“As we unite for children’s rights, we should reflect on common ways of helping a child live a decent life through accessing basic needs,” said Anselm
Rebecca Kukundakwe, coordinator EU funded children rights project at Action Aid Uganda said there is need to combat violence against children using a multiple approach of involving both children and parents. Kukundakwe said this programme is intended to equip children with confidence to raise issues that affect them.
“I urge parents and guardians to play their responsibilities of being the first custodians of keeping children safe at home,” said Kukundakwe
Fred Kakembo, programme director at Uganda Council for Children (UCC) said there is need to ensure that the children’s Act clarifies on protection of children. Kakembo urged all stakeholders to ensure that every effort translates into observing rights of children through enacting practical laws.
Jacob Amai, an official from Plan Uganda said this programme seeks to give children a chance to realize their full potential in societies that respect people’s rights and dignity. Amai observed that child abuse is more in post-conflict Northern Uganda because parents suffer from extreme poverty, high disease burden and trauma.
“Parents in post war areas have low appreciation of children’s rights and their duty to protect them from the violence. Mothers too suffer the effects of gender-based violence which affects relationship with children,” noted Amai
A survey conducted by Plan Uganda in May 2014 show that 70% of child abuse cases occur at home and over 50% of these cases are committed by biological parents.
RELATED STORIES:
EU, ActionAid in fight against child abuse