Churches urged to advocate for child rights

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has urged faith-based organizations to advocate for children rights and urge their congregations to fight against child abuse cases such as physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect.

The message was delivered on October 13, during a meeting between police officers and 170 members of the Methodist Church of Ruhango District.

Local and church leaders were also present, as well as representatives of a faith based NGO – Compassion International – which caters to the needs of children from poor families in the district.

In her message, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Ruhango, Inspector of Police (IP) Angelique Abijuru, urged the church members to promote children rights by conveying to children a message that they are loved and valued, rather than imposing violence and other acts that prevent them from developing into useful members of society.

“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 whisk them away into human trafficking or prostitution,” she said.

“We must therefore treat each child in society like they are our own children; every respectable church member should be eyes and ears of lawfulness in society by immediately reporting cases of child abuse to police. Through quick response, we can protect the children of Rwanda.”

RNP has a fully-fledged Anti-GBV and Child Protection directorate.

She also urged church leaders to be proactive in child protection by being close to their congregation and advising them whenever there is suspicion of child abuse.

The Methodist Church Pastor, Levis Sibomana, welcomed the message by police, noting that responsible parents and guardians are those who provide adequate food, clothing, shelter and education to their children, as well as protect them from physical and emotional harm or danger.

His message was echoed by Jean Rugendo, an official in charge of gender promotion in Ruhango, who urged parents to keep their children away from alcohol and drug influences, and also teach them about the contemporary challenges like human trafficking and prostitution, so that they resist being exploited by criminals.

RNP

UM– USEKE.RW