JFA Zambia Urges Action Against Surge in Child Sexual Violence
Joining Forces Alliance (JFA) in Zambia has issued a pressing call to action following a disturbing surge in reported cases of sexual violence against children across the nation.
Expressing deep alarm, the alliance highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts from both state and non-state actors to address this harrowing trend.
The recent wave of reported incidents, as highlighted by various media outlets, has shaken the nation’s conscience.
Dr. Paul Kapotwe, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Zambia, expressed profound concern over the gravity of these atrocities.
Incidents include the repeated defilement of a 5-year-old child, a child traded for drugs, and the abhorrent violation of a 7-year-old by her own father.
These distressing events stand as stark violations of Zambia’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which mandates the protection and safeguarding of children.
Despite legislative strides, such as the enactment of the Children’s Code Act of 2022, child sexual abuse persists within homes and communities, prompting urgent action.
The JFA underscores the necessity for tangible progress in implementing existing legislation, particularly the Children’s Code Act, and calls for the effective implementation of provisions outlined in the National Safeguarding Framework.
Critically, the alliance challenges the efficacy of these measures, urging stakeholders to translate policies into meaningful action rather than allowing them to languish on shelves.
Law enforcement agencies are implored to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators, ensuring swift justice for survivors of sexual violence.
Additionally, bolstered support services, including counseling, medical care, and legal assistance, are deemed imperative to empower survivors and encourage them to seek help without fear of judgment.
The JFA issues a clarion call to all Zambians, including civil society organizations, religious institutions, schools, and the media, to unite in combating child sexual violence.
Emphasizing the collective responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment for children, the alliance underscores the imperative of collaborative action to safeguard the nation’s most vulnerable members.
