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
- Orphans, Vulnerable Children and Youth Conference [PDF]
- Department of Basic Education [PDF]
- Department of Correctional Services [PDF]
- Department of Health [PDF]
- South African Police Service [PDF]
- Mpumalanga [PDF]
- Northern Cape [PDF]
- Northern Cape non-governmental organisations [PDF]
- Closing event [PDF]
- Government speeches and statements on child protection week
Speeches and statements
- Minister Bathabile Dlamini: Launch of child protection week and pledge, 27 May 2013
- Minister Bathabile Dlamini: South African Conference on Orphans, Vulnerable Children and Youth Conference affected by HIV and AIDS, 27 May 2013
- Declaration of the Third Conference on Orphans Vulnerable Children and Youth, 30 May 2013
- Resolution on the Third Conference on Orphans, Vulnerable Children and Youth, 30 May 2013
Photos
Videos
- Orphans, Vulnerable Children and Youth Conference - video 1
- Orphans, Vulnerable Children and Youth Conference - video 2
More information on child protection
- Frequently asked questions [PDF]
- Child exploitation [PDF]
- Child Protection Register [PDF]
- Social Development on Child Protection
- Children's rights
- Children's Act booklet [PDF]
- Tips for Parents on bullying [PDF]
- Cyber-bullying [PDF]
- Government key messages on Child Protection Week
- Get help at:
Childline South Africa: 08000 55 555
Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 / e-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za
Related links
- Children's Act [PDF]
- Child Online Protection
- Services by the Department of Social Development
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
- African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
- United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children
- International Labour Organisation's Convention Concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Worst Forms of Child Labour
- The Hague Convention of the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction