From 25 to 31 May 2009, South Africa will mark Child Protection Week (CPW), and all communities are urged to participate and intensify the promotion of children's rights and child protection.
"This year's Child Protection Week theme, "Caring communities protect children" reminds us that it is collective responsibility to protect our children. I am therefore appealing to everyone to wear the green ribbon during the Child Protection Week to show support for promotion of the rights of children", said the Minister of Social Development, Edna Molewa.
Child Protection Week is an annual campaign started in 1997 to promote partnerships between all sectors of society to improve the living conditions of vulnerable children and their families. The issue of child abuse and the protection of children from all forms of vulnerability are a vital societal concern. This year the department has partnered with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and civil society organisations to highlight the importance of child protection.
Provincial departments are also planning activities throughout the week to:
* Create greater awareness about child abuse, neglect and exploitation and encourage families and communities to report such cases
* Enhance partnerships with various stakeholders and communities in order to build a caring society for children
* Advocate for children's rights by strengthening families and enable them to care, support and protect
* To uphold government's commitment to protect and promote children's rights in partnership with all sectors of society.
Government has passed comprehensive pieces of legislation regarding the care and protection of children. These include the Children's Act 38 of 2005, the Children's Amendment Act 41 of 2007 and the Social Assistance Act 6 of 2008. The establishment of the national Child Protection Register will assist us to gather information on the extent of child abuse, neglect or exploitation of children. This will enable us to plan properly and allocate necessary resources to child protection services, Minister Molewa said.
For enquiries contact:
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148
Issued by: Department of Social Development
25 May 2009
Source: Department of Social Development (http://www.dsd.gov.za)
