Child Protection Week | South African Government

27 May - 2 June 2013

Child Protection Week poster National Child Protection Week (CPW) is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Children's Act of 2005. The campaign that began in 1997 also aims to mobilise all sectors of society to ensure the care and protection of children. The campaign is led by the Minister of Social Development; however it is incumbent on all of us to play a role in protecting children and creating a safe and secure environment for them.

This year the CPW is commemorated from 27 May to 2 June 2013. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Working Together to Protect Children”. The campaign was launched on 27 May 2013 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, followed by the opening of an Orphans, Vulnerable Children and Youth Conference on the same day.

On 27 May the message of protecting vulnerable children was brought to life by a symbolic mass awareness campaign which involved ships sounding their horns, followed by police and emergency vehicle blaring their sirens, and taxi drivers and the public hooting in solidarity.

At the same time, the public was encouraged to brandish umbrellas and blow whistles. The umbrella symbolises protection and the giving of shelter and whistle blowing is synonymous with sounding an alarm.

The focus of the CPW 2013 is furthermore on sensitising communities and families about children's rights, including children with disabilities throughout the country.

Events for child protection week 2013