International Children’s Day promotes the protection of children against harmful practices
In commemoration of International Children’s Day, which today is observed under the theme: "Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children" the Department of Social Development, encourages all social partners, including, parents, caregivers, Civil Society Organisations, and South Africans from all walks of life to protect children against harmful practices.
Since 2017, June 1 has been observed as International Children's Day. Its commemoration is informed by the 1925 World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, which proclaimed this day as International Children's Day. After the conference, different governments globally, declared this day as Children's Day to draw attention to children's issues.
This year, the day focuses more on the elimination of harmful practices which affect children. By definition, a harmful practice is a collective term for many different forms of abuse which all share a similar characteristic, that they are seen as acceptable practices within sections of society. As such, harmful practices include amongst other forms of abuse; child marriage, forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), breast flattening, hate crimes, child abuse linked to faith or belief and so-called honour-based abuse.
These forms of harmful practices are persistently practiced as normal societal behaviours imposed based on sex, gender or age. Such harmful practices are perfected by society through the application of multiple forms of discrimination which often involve violence and cause physical and / or psychological harm and suffering.
According to the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu: “harmful practices rob children, especially in most cases the girl child of her childhood, deny them a fair chance to determine their future and threaten the well-being of individuals, families and society. These practices must be discouraged as they negatively affect children and perpetuate physical and emotional abuse. All these forms of harmful practices are likely to cause harm and suffering for children as it amongst other things, limit children’s capacity to participate fully in society or develop and reach their full potential.”
Guided by the Constitution of South Africa, the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and other international instruments, including, the AU Charter on the Rights and welfare of the Child, the Department of Social Development, calls upon society and organisations working with children, to not only commemorate this day, but also protect children against harmful practices.
In addition, section 12 (1) of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 indicates that every child has a right not to be subjected to social, cultural, and religious practices which are detrimental to his or her well-being. Subsection 2 (a) of the Act outlines the minimum age of marriage. In Subsection 3, the Act prohibits genital mutilation or the circumcision of female children. The Act further in subsection 4 prohibits virginity testing of children under the age of 18.
The escalation of protection measures toward children form part of the country’s Child Protection Week campaign, which is currently underway and observed under the theme; “Let us Protect Children during COVID-19 and Beyond”. The department of social development with its partners and stakeholders will be commemorating this International Day of Children on the 3rd of June 2023 at De Aar in Northern Cape.
Media enquiries may be forwarded to:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-maill: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
