Child Protection Week 2016

 

29 May to 5 June

National Child Protection Week (CPW) is commemorated in South Africa annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Children's Act of 2005.

Theme: “Let Us All Protect Children to Move South Africa Forward.”

This year, the focus of the Child Protection Week will be on child labour and exploitation as well as unaccompanied minors from the neighbouring countries. The two selected areas for the opening and the closing of the campaign are predominantly farming areas where incidences of child labour and exploitation are prevalent.

As part of the planned activities for this campaign, President Jacob Zuma will, on the 1st of June, visit Child and Youth Care Centres in Attridgeville to highlight government interventions in the care and protection of vulnerable children. The 1st of June is commemorated globally as the International Children’s Day.

The closing ceremony of the Child Protection Week will be held on 5 June 2016 in Amersfoort, near Ermelo, Mpumalanga Province.
 
National Child Protection Week is marked annually to raise awareness for the rights of children. It aims to mobilise all sectors of society to care for and protect children. The campaign is led by the Minister of Social Development; however it is incumbent on all of South Africans to play a role in protecting children and creating a safe and secure environment for them.
 
The aim of child protection is to ensure the safety, well-being, care and protection of children through an integrated multi-disciplinary approach. South Africa has drafted legislation which is based on the United Convention of the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Constitution. The latter specifically states that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation.
 
 

Get help

The Department of Social Development has a 24-hour call centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of gender based violence:

  • Survivors of gender based violence can call 24 hour toll free number – 0800 428 428.
  • Callers can also access the free SMS line by dialling *120*7867#
  • Alternatively, survivors may call ChildLine toll free number on 0800 055 555
  • White Door Centres serve as immediate shelter for victims of gender based violence in communities

You can also get help at:

Green ribbon

Government urges everyone to wear the Green Ribbon during Child Protection Week to show support for promotion of the rights, care and protection of the child. The Green Ribbon was adopted by the National Child Protection Committee in 2004:

  • The green refers to life and growth.
  • By wearing the Green Ribbon it shows that you care and support Child Protection Week
  • The Green Ribbon lets victims and survivors know that we are united in their support.
  • It emphasizes the importance of partnerships to tackle child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Join the conversation! #ChildProtection2016

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Event Category
Commemorative events

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