AT least one child is raped every four hours in Zimbabwe, the latest statistics reveal.
MELODY CHIMHAU OWN CORRESPONDENT
It was revealed that 2 600 girls are sexually abused annually, translating to 216 girls being raped every month, statistics by the Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children (ZNCWC) say.
The figures show that more than seven girls are raped every day, figures which authorities say are cause for concern.
Speaking at a workshop launch of the Optional Protocol Convention (OP3) for children’s rights at Rainbow Hotel, Bulawayo, on Tuesday, ZNCWC official Maxim Murungweni said they were concerned that incidence of child rape continued to rise.
“What is happening in our country is a sad development,” he said.
“Instead of us protecting children we become a danger to them.
“This is not welcome in society and I encourage all stakeholders and policymakers to unite and come up with serious punishment for perpetrators.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Murungweni said what was further worrying was that these were only recorded statistics and more children might be abused, but this remains undocumented.
“There are many cases that go unreported and these have created an environment that is not safe for the children,” he said.
Some of these rape cases are said to be related to cultural backgrounds and girls tend to be victims.
It was revealed that at least 30 000 children had dropped out of school, mainly due to poverty.
The organisation revealed that only one in three children had a birth certificate, with 68% being unregistered.
Murungweni said a United Nations committee would soon start hearing complaints on allegations of child rights violation.
“This OP3 will ensure that children have effective remedies available to redress violence,” he said.
“If we come together we will be able to fight for children’s rights and we appeal that the funds allocated to organisation should be used adequately and reach those children in need.”
Murungweni urged individual organisations to join the international board in supporting children’s rights and take advantage of President Robert Mugabe’s chairmanship of the African Union and Sadc.
