SCSA concerned over child rights violations
Friday 17 April 2020
Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) is concerned about the continued violation of children’s rights and the destruction infrastructure that is aimed at ensuring that they have a better future. It is shocking that almost 400 schools have been vandalized since the COVID-19 lockdown.
“These figures released by the Department of Basic Education today, come days after we heard about the gruesome discovery of the lifeless body of five-year-old Mzwandile Zitho in Orange Farm and reports of a spike in child abuse cases. This indicates that we are not keeping the best interests of children at heart during this difficult period,” says SCSA’s CEO Steve Miller.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed children to multi-dimensional risks. Primary protection concerns relate to the interruption of children’s safe and appropriate care. This is because of the absence, incapacitation or loss of primary caregivers and exposure to negative coping strategies including violence and exploitation.
“It is sad that even during this time, when people should be spending their energy supporting each other through a common difficulty, there continues to be those who violate children’s rights and vandalise schools,” adds Miller.
Save the Children calls on communities to help protect both children’s rights and schools. We further urge caregivers to ensure that children adhere to the lockdown regulations.
Parents can also visit www.sc.org.za for tips on how to help children deal with stress during this period.
ENDS
For more information or to set up interviews contact: Sibusiso Khasa on 073 449 6871 or [email protected]
About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.
“These figures released by the Department of Basic Education today, come days after we heard about the gruesome discovery of the lifeless body of five-year-old Mzwandile Zitho in Orange Farm and reports of a spike in child abuse cases. This indicates that we are not keeping the best interests of children at heart during this difficult period,” says SCSA’s CEO Steve Miller.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed children to multi-dimensional risks. Primary protection concerns relate to the interruption of children’s safe and appropriate care. This is because of the absence, incapacitation or loss of primary caregivers and exposure to negative coping strategies including violence and exploitation.
“It is sad that even during this time, when people should be spending their energy supporting each other through a common difficulty, there continues to be those who violate children’s rights and vandalise schools,” adds Miller.
Save the Children calls on communities to help protect both children’s rights and schools. We further urge caregivers to ensure that children adhere to the lockdown regulations.
Parents can also visit www.sc.org.za for tips on how to help children deal with stress during this period.
ENDS
For more information or to set up interviews contact: Sibusiso Khasa on 073 449 6871 or [email protected]
About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.