Government To Revisit Laws On Child Protection Amid Rising Defilement Cases
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 26 March 2025
By Staff Reporter
Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa says Cabinet has resolved and directed the ministers of community development and Justice to set up a team to revisit the laws related to child protection particularly the girl child.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Mr. Mweetwa says this in a view to stiffen punishment of the perpetrators amid the increased reported cases of child abuse and defilement.
Mr. Mweetwa who is also chief government spokesperson notes that it appears that the current sanctions are not stiff enough to deter perpetrators and sufficient for penal retribution hence the need to revisit and strengthen them.
And the Young People for Positive Change Zambia (YPFPC) Executive Director Albert Chileya, has expressed deep concern over the escalating cases of child abuse in Zambian communities.
Mr Chileya emphasized that it is particularly disturbing when parents and guardians, entrusted with protecting children, become perpetrators of abuse themselves.
He has urged the law enforcement agencies, social welfare departments, and community leaders to take swift action against the perpetrators.
Mr. Chileya further urged parents to establish strong, open relationships with their children, enabling them to identify symptoms of abuse. He has also called upon the government and stakeholders to strengthen child protection policies and ensure stricter measures against those who violate children’s rights.
