“Society Lost Notion of Shame!” – Graça Machel, Patroness of the Regional Campaign Against Child Abuse.
Why this campaign? Because many children are abused by relatives and neighbours. We know that, but nothing is done! In the press, the cases are reported sporadically and, to an extent, described in a manner that violates the victim. It’s necessary that we assume the responsibility as a society, as families, as individuals. This campaign is just the beginning, it should not be a campaign like many others, but the beginning of a process where everyone is really committed to do something concrete.
Today is 16 June , a day when we commemorate hundreds of young people who have died in search of freedom. Before, this day was commemorated as “Soweto day” in South Africa, but as a signed support of our liberation African governments embraced this day as the “Day of the African Child” signalling the unity of Africa.
Message by the Ambassador of Sweden at the launching ceremony for the Regional Campaign Against Child Abuse, 16 June 2002.
Today, June 16 is the Day of the African Child. It commemorates the massacre of children during the student uprisings in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976. Several hundred children were killed during this violent day.