TANZANIA Media Women's Association in Zanzibar (TAMWA Zanzibar) has urged parents and guardians to prioritise children’s rights by ensuring their protection and calling for strict penalties against perpetrators of abuse according to the law.

In a statement released yesterday, TAMWA Zanzibar cited a recent report by the Office of Chief Government Statistician in Zanzibar (OCGS) which indicates that a total of 165 cases of gender-based violence were reported in July 2024, with a significant number of victims being children.

According to the statement, the report shows that 142 children were affected, accounting for 86.1 percent of all victims, with 115 girls (81.0 percent) and 27 boys (19.0 percent).

“The situation is distressing and needs to be addressed by all stakeholders, including the government, community institutions, elders and teachers by providing education on self-protection and safeguarding against harmful individuals,” the statement reads in part.

TAMWA Zanzibar suggested the need for stakeholders to reassess how they can resolve challenges leading to the increase in child abuse, as children fundamentally need to be protected to the fullest extent. The Zanzibar Child Act No. 6 of 2011 prohibits any form of child abuse to promote wellbeing of children.

The 1989 International Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which Tanzania ratified emphasizes maintaining children’s rights, including protection which helps build a community and nation of respectful citizens.

“Recently, we witnessed the abuse of innocent child by government officials who apprehended a two-year-old child and took both the child and the guardian under the pretext that the child’s parents had not paid sanitation fee,” a statement said, adding:

“This action caused alarm among the child’s family and the community at large as it contradicts children’s rights and human rights. In this context, we condemn acts of abuse and mistreatment against children and demand that stringent measures be taken against those who violate the law.”

“We call upon the community to protect our children and ensure they are not subjected to abusive behaviours.”