{Residents of Gitovu Sector in Burera District were reminded that protection of children from all sorts of abuses including child labour is not only the role of Rwanda National Police (RNP) but a collective responsibility for parents, leaders, mentors and the children themselves.}
The message was echoed by the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Phelin Nshimyumukiza during a recent meeting with residents of Gitovu.
The meeting was also attended the District Inspector of Labour and local leaders.
“Children are the powerhouse of the country’s development; if there are conflicts in the family, children become victims and at times these abuses are long term in nature,” said AIP Nshimyumukiza.
He urged the residents to protect and promote the rights of children and show parental love to their children.
“Show the children that they are loved and valued, rather than imposing violence and other acts that prevent them from developing into useful members of society,” he said.
“Some parents and guardians are frequently forcing their children into hard labour like domestic chores, which exposes them to several dangers. There are clear laws against child labor and several campaigns have been conducted in line with sensitizing the public against such child rights violations and everyone should be in position to understand that whoever exploits or deprives a child of the rights, will face the wrath of the law,” he warned.
The District Inspector of Labour, Angelique Uwitonze also told residents about consequences of child abuse.
“Some parents and guardians are frequently causing their children to feel frightened or in danger by constantly exposing them to domestic violence – and witnessing or hearing ill treatment between their own parents. Such children grow up to become criminals or are easily influenced by fraudsters who easily divert them into criminal activities,” Uwitonze said.
“We must therefore treat each child in society like they are our own children; through quick response and timely information sharing, we can protect the children of Rwanda,” she added
The Executive Secretary of Gitovu Sector Silas Muhire said: “Children encounter challenges of peer influence, drug abuse, child labour, forced or influenced school dropout and early pregnancy or parenthood, all which also cause insecurity in one way or another.”
Under no circumstance, he said, should a child be exposed to such dangers.
Following the meeting, residents pledged to ensure protection of children rights at all times.
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