Child protection statistics paint a troubled picture
Statics shows that at least 40 per cent of reported rape cases involve children.
CHILD protection statistics in South Africa shows high proportions of children victimised by violence.
The statistics showed that at least 40 per cent of reported rape cases involve children and more than 2,600 children were murdered last year.
The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) said they work with community leaders, educators, parents and guardians to improve and secure children’s rights.
“We believe that in order to improve society, there has to be a change the mindset of elders towards children,” said Red Cross Vaal regional manager, Princess Hewana.
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She said SARCS recognises that a majority of children in South Africa especially from impoverished communities, do not have access to quality early childhood development programming.
“We have established a number of model crèches and preschools across the country, to meet children’s physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive development areas.”
To commemorate the 2019 Child Protection Week, (Monday, 27 May to Sunday, 2 June), Hewana said their Vereeniging branch office in Gauteng will host a series of community awareness and support programmes during the month of June, specifically targeting Emfuleni, Sebokeng, Midvaal and Lesedi districts.
“This partnership between SA Red Cross and the national Department of Social Development, Fire Brigade, Eskom, Chubb and Santam insurance will go a long way in promoting the rights of children, and ensuring more responsibility from parents and caregivers,” said Hewana.
She added that the South African Red Cross is also guided by the IFRC Child Protection Policy, which provides a framework for ensuring that children are protected from all forms of abuse and exploitation during emergency and aid relief operations.
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