CHILD Protection Week (CPW) will be commemorated from Sunday, 25 May to Sunday, 1 June 2014.
The theme is ‘Working together to protect children’.
The CPW campaign was started in 1997 to mobilise all sectors of society and communities to ensure care and protection of children. It is commemorated annually, to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution and the Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005).
The Bill of Rights in the Constitution specifically states every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation. Regardless of this constitutional right, every day, thousands of children around the country are still victims and/or witnesses of physical, sexual and emotional violence.
Government urges everyone to wear a green ribbon during the week to show support for the promotion of the rights, care and protection of the child.
The green ribbon means:
* Protect a child.
* Life and growth.
* Let’s conserve our children, give them hope.
* Shows care and support.
* Stand up, be committed and protect a child.
Police statistics from April 2012 to March 2013 show various crimes were committed against children in KwaZulu-Natal, among them 152 murders. There were 140 cases of attempted murder; 1,742 cases of assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm; 2,382 cases of common assault and 5, 735 cases of sexual crime. Overall in SA, some 49, 550 crimes were committed against children.
If you need help contact Childline tollfree on 08000-55-555, the SAPS on 10111, Amanzimtoti Child Welfare on 031-903-5171, Kingsburgh Child Welfare on 031-916-2274 or Operation Bobbi Bear on 031-903-2424.
