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ZimRights calls for respect of best interests of child
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
June 16, 2011

Appreciating the dynamics in the significance of the Day of the African Child, in particular the paradigm shift in viewing the day as an absolute honour to those killed and the courage of all those who marched during the Sharpeville incident of 16 June 1976 to encompass the welfare of the child in Africa as a whole, ZimRights joins the whole continent in commemorating and advancing the best interests of the child as articulated in part one; article four of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

The International Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 15 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity. It honours those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children. This year's commemorations are held under the theme, "All Together for Urgent Actions in Favour of Street Children".

A large number of children are suffering from some modern forms of slavery and child labour, and are the most affected by human trafficking, cases of which are on the increase worldwide. They are also prone to sexual and other forms of exploitation, and victims do not report essentially because they are not aware of their rights.

ZimRights calls on the government to increase resource allocations to bodies dealing with children at all levels from social ministries to local communities. This should also include fighting against sexual abuse, training and sensitizing national and local personnel working with children and capacitating the justice systems to protect children from any violation of their fundamental rights. In addition, the government and all its institutions as well as political parties, must always work for the attainment of a safe and peaceful environment in Zimbabwe in which all people, with bias to children, are able to enjoy all their rights and freedoms. ZimRights also recognizes that the family is the most important basic unit of society from where the child's best interest can be catered for. Government and other stakeholders are therefore urged to ensure that families are empowered to be self-sufficient with a capability to look after their children.

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