CAPE TOWN The South African government said it had put in place plans to combat child abuse during the 2010 soccer World Cup. South Africas Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, said her ministry would raise community awareness about the risks of child abuse and establishing care centres and other support services for children during the World Cup.
“Social work professionals will be deployed at public viewing areas and in all host cities. Interventions include establishing joint national and provincial command centres and ensuring that child and youth care centres are able to receive emergency referrals and placements and have 24 hour services available,” said Minister Mayende-Sibiya.
The plan to protect children also includes the deployment of foreign language interpreters and standby professionals who will provide counselling services to victims, to serve those children from neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique who migrated to South Africa in search of a better life.
The justice system has also dedicated courts and the South African Police Service (SAPS) personnel are also trained to ensure that the best protection is provided to children, added the Minister. “Also in observing the International Children’s Day, the Ministry for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities will on 1 June launch the Children’s Rights and Responsibilities Development programme for 2010 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
“The main objective of this campaign is to empower children and communities on children’s rights and responsibilities. The campaign will appeal to parents and caregivers to ensure proper supervision of children and take precautionary measures during the extended closure of schools for the midterm holidays,” added Minister Mayende-Sibiya.
She also challenged the public to speak out on child abuse and neglect, and report such cases to the authorities promptly.
“Each one of us is bound by the Children’s Act to report cases of violation of children’s rights without delay,” she said.
Post published in: Politics