Let’s not make this week just another ordinary week. Tomorrow marks the first day of National Child Protection week. For some this might not seem like such a big deal, although it should be. Over the next 7 days campaigns will be running nation-wide to highlight the rights our children have: the right to be protected, the right to have loving families, the right to be cared for and nourished, the right to simply be children. This post is one such campaign.

The Bill of Rights in the Constitution specifically states that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation. South Africa has also drafted legislation to protect children which is based on the United Convention of the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. - http://www.sassa.gov.za/index.php/newsroom/267-2017-child-protection-week

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28 MAY – 04 JUNE: NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

While our government does what it can (or what it is capable of) to protect our children and to seek justice for those who have been harmed, neglected or mistreated, it’s unfortunately not enough. The protection of children is everybody’s responsibility, it’s yours and mine. As parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, teachers and caregivers, it is imperative that we be cognisant of the roles that we need to play in protecting children and in exposing any suspected child abuse activities or child exploitation.

It is up to us to prevent child abuse:

Whether it is verbal abuse, violence, sexual abuse or pure neglect, it is up to us to be a voice to the innocent souls who are to afraid to be heard. We can do this by:

1. Paying more attention to our children, we can monitor their habits, learn to read their emotions and make them feel safe enough to confide in us and communicate openly. If we feel that a child is being harmed in any way, even if you have an inkling of a feeling, please do contact your department of social services and ask them to investigate. 
2. Report any cases of abuse to your nearest police station as soon as possible.
3. Make sure the children who are in your care are always cared for and watched over so that no outsiders have the opportunity to harm them.

Put an end to human trafficking:

As adults we like to be ignorant and pretend that the horror of human trafficking does not exist. But it does. 

The International Labour Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. 81% of them are trapped in forced labor, 25% of them are children,75% are women and girls. - https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/facts

We need to be more aware of human trafficking and as young as our kids are, they need to be taught the dangers too because human trafficking is very very real. Be aware of your child’s online friends for example, sex traffickers have been documented using social media like Facebook and even Twitter. Open up portals of communication with your children, let them feel safe enough to always confide in you to avoid circumstances where children run away - traffickers prey on runaways and throwaways. 

None of the above suggestions are fool proof however, but if these suggestions are implemented then fewer kids would become victims of human trafficking. Evil exists in the world. Protect yourself and family.

To add:

During this week the Department of Social Development in South Africa promises to strengthen it’s foster care and adoption services, with the aim of ensuring that everyone (bust mostly the children) is treated fairly within the process and that the children are either placed back with their fully-rehabilitated parents or fostered/adopted into families who can provide for them and will not harm them, in any way. 

Another thing that will be brought to light and is relatively new to the campaign is the effects of substance abuse on unborn babies. Healthcare providers are requested to reiterate to their pregnant mothers that substance abuse can harm and stunt the growth of their unborn foetuses, and even cause miscarriage. Just because these children have not yet been born, it does not mean that abuse is not being inflicted on them and that they do not have rights.

And in the same breath, let us not forget about children who have disabilities. As leading generations, we need to raise our children to be aware of those who are disabled, we need to remind them to treat these follow friends with compassion and care, as equals. This falls in line with running anti-bullying campaigns in fact.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT CHILD PROTECTION WEEK?

Apart from implementing the above strategies and practices into your lifestyles, you can also be more active in in campaigning for the rights of our children. You can:

• Ensure that employees or not listed on any sexual offender or pedophile registrars, especially if they are working with children.
• Report any child labour practices that you might witness.
• Visit Baby Homes and orphanages to see where you can be of assistance.
• Register to become a foster parent (our orphanages are over flowing).
• Teach your own children to be cautious of child predators and traffickers.
• Donate stationery, food and health care products to those who are less fortunate.

Find more ways you can help HERE

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Children need special protection because they are among the most vulnerable members of society. They are dependent on others (their parents and families) for care and protection. In the absence of parents and families it is up to the DSD and registered NPOs and NGOs to step in. This is where you can get active by supporting these causes either by volunteering, making donations or simply by spreading the word. 

As a nation we have a duty to do more to make sure that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse, neglect and exploitation. By working together, we can create safer and healthier communities so that our children can thrive. What will you be doing to play an active role and make a difference in the lives of our children?

 Children's Rights are included in our Bill of Rights - this was an important development for South African children, many of whom had suffered under apartheid for many years. Some had been detained without trial, tortured and assaulted; many faced discrimination in healthcare, education and other areas. - https://www.forgood.co.za/campaign/profile/child-protection-week-2017

Much love - @sweetpea

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