NORTHERN PROVINCE

GAKENKE — Sheik Mussa Fazil Harerimana the Minister of Internal Security has called on families and local leaders to fight child abuse.

Addressing the local authorities and teachers of Gakenke district on Thursday, in campaign to protect children from any form of abuse, Sheik Harerimana said parents and local leaders should take responsibility to prevent violence subjected to children.

The problems facing children in the district highlighted included, early forced marriages of school children, effects of drunk parent, sexual violence, lack of parental care and violation of children’s rights to inherit property.

"Why should you tolerate such cases of violence against children in your midst," the minister asked. "Every resident including leaders ought to be accountable for the welfare of the children especially the orphans,’’ he said.

Harerimana observed that there should be a clear understanding of the law and its application as regards adoption of children, right to property inheritance, divorce and sharing of property.

Responding to challenges faced by children, the acting Mayor, Zephrin Ntakirutimana explained that polygamy was largely to blame for violence against children.

Wilson Safari, the director of Ecole Secondaire Nyarutovu noted that neglect and poor management of trauma among genocide survivor students affect their academic performance.

He explained that such children report late at school due to delays in releasing money for their transport. The money is normally given out by the Fund for Genocide Survivors [FARG] through districts.

It was suggested that the family laws be made more stringent to reverse situations where men tend to abandon their spouses with whom they have produced children in favour of marrying young girls.

The campaign to protect children was organised by the Unity Club.

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