UNICEF Representative

Twenty six years later violence and abuse continue to mark the reality of millions of children world wide. The international conferences on sexual exploitation of children held in Stockholm in 1996 and in Yokohama in 2001 have shed some light on these hidden crimes. The governments represented at these meetings promised to act in favour of the victims. But not enough has happened since. This is true also in our region. That’s why the Campaign Against the Abuse and Exploitation of Children is being launched today. The Campaign is coordinated by the FDC (Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da Comunidade) under the patronage of Madame Garcia Michel. UNICEF pays tribute to this very important initiative.

Abuse has many faces and tremendous consequences. It includes domestic violence, sexual exploitation and harmful labour. The damage lasts long after the violations. Sexually exploited children suffer harm – physically and emotionally – that can last a lifetime. Furthermore: Sexual abuse in the times of HIV/AIDS very often can mean homicide. Although only little research has been done in Mozambique in the area of child abuse, we know of some data which draws a grim picture off the reality many children are facing. The Government Report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child cites a survey among minor sex workers in Maputo. One quarter of the children interviewed were between ten and fourteen years old. This means there are children only 10 years old who instead of going to school or playing with their friends have to sell their bodies.

Twenty two per cent of the children interviewed said their sexual relationship was violent and against their will. They had been violated by a close relative including their own father or by a neighbour. Underlying causes of abuse and sexual exploitation are poverty, gender discrimination and harmful traditional practices. Children are already vulnerable for other reasons like refugees, orphans, abandoned children or child labourers are especially at risk of becoming victims. Sexual exploitation and trafficking of children has no boundaries.

The launch of this Regional Campaign is a cross border response to an issue that affects the lives of children in all of the countries. It is based on the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and on other African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Both documents explicitly mention the right of every child to be protected from sexual exploitation and abuse. Confronting these crimes calls for leadership. The impact of gender based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse of children and women are worse in countries without the legislative and policy framework for addressing these issues. Lack of legislation and policies means that such human rights violations are not classified as crimes. But appropriate legislation alone is not enough. Governments must make sure that the laws are enforced vigorously. The rights of minors to protection against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are not recognised in the Mozambican Constitution although they are mentioned at the level of ordinary legislation. The Government of Mozambique’s recent accession of the Optional Protocol to the CRC on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography is most welcome development.

UNICEF calls on the government to address in its legislative and policy framework domestic violence and the trafficking and abuse of children. UNICEF advocates for ratification and enforcement of all international laws that protect children, such as the ILO Convention 182 prohibiting the worst forms of child labour that has not yet been ratified by Mozambique. Furthermore, UNICEF urges the Government to approve the revised family law currently under discussion. In addition to setting the legal framework, emphasis must be given to prevent these crimes happening. Education is vital in that context.

It empowers children to protect themselves. Schools can teach children to avoid high-risk situations. UNICEF is working with partners to address the underlying causes of child abuse by involving teachers in protection efforts, working with young people to build confidence and increase their skills and by advocating for children’s rights in general. UNICEF also supports programmes that help communities become the first line of protection for children. By participating in the launch of this Campaign Against Abuse and Exploitation of Children we want to make clear we intend to become an active member of it.

Thank you for your attention.