01 Sep 2020

#Section 25 campaign which calls on all partners in the fight against children’s exploitation and abuse to speak and act will be launched in Gaborone on September 17.

The campaign comes in the wake of the increasing number of cases of child exploitation ranging from rape to defilement hence emphasis of Section 25 of the Children’s Act to address the problem.

The National Children’s Council (NCC) vice-chairperson Mr Desmond Lunga explained in an interview that the campaign aimed to reduce the risk that children and young people were exposed to while at the same time focusing on prevention and early identification.

 Mr Lunga said by highlighting issues such as sexual abuse, the campaign would encourage everyone to speak, act and deliver against abuse and adopt a zero-tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children.

“The campaign is envisaged to have an impact on developing a nationwide support system to prevent child sexual abuse. It will assess and change child sexual abuse perceptions and public opinion towards a more cooperative approach to prevention of sexual abuse,” he said.

He said the campaign would also develop local networks in communities and create awareness focusing on prevention of perpetration of child sexual abuse.

Mr Lunga expressed hope that the campaign would also facilitate behavioural changes in local communities and invite Batswana to join an advocacy-based movement to prevent child sexual abuse.

He further explained that through Section 25 any parent, guardian, teacher or another person who without reasonable excuse fails to report a case of child abuse or exploitation of which he or she is aware shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not less than P10 000 but not more than P30 000 or to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than three years.

“Section 25 of children’s act states that every child has a right to be protected from sexual abuse and exploitation, including prostitution and pornography,” he said.

He said the campaign material would include documentary, comic books, cartoons, radio jingles parents and teachers’ toolkit translated into Setswana.

He further noted that they have started engaging with stakeholders; police, social workers, justice system and village child protection committees to disseminate relevant information pertaining to the status of children in Botswana.

At a recent press briefing, the National Children’s Council (NCC) chairperson, and Ms Mamiki Kamanakao said the council had recorded 49 rape cases and 79 cases of defilement during the end of the first lockdown.

She said the NCC would use the campaign #Section 25 to prevent further sexual exploitation and abuse through child-friendly materials.

Ms Linny Aaron from the Attorney General Chamber expressed concern about child abuse cases that take longer to be resolved, adding that it delayed the healing process of the victims.

She also spoke against the withdrawal of cases where children have been abused sexually, stressing that this denied children the right to justice and psychosocial counselling.

“We are advocating for a child-friendly justice system which should include child-friendly police stations, specialised units with trained officers and child-friendly courtrooms,” she said.

Ms Aaron also added that through the campaign, perpetrators would be stopped, brought to justice and were less likely to re-offend. 

She also said cultural and social barriers that prevented and tackling sexual exploitation would be reduced.

She urged the parents to work with stakeholders in their areas and report children abuse. Ends