Ditshwanelo speaks against child abuse in COVID-19

Ditshwanelo (the Botswana Centre for Human Rights) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the Day of the African Child. According to a statement by Ditshwanelo, the theme this year is: ‘Access to a Child-Friendly Justice System in Africa’. 

“With the world grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all focus has shifted to addressing the situation. Responses have included the suspension of schooling and school activities. Disturbing reports from around the world, highlight mental health issues, brought about by the measures taken by governments to restrict movement and reduce public contact. Most disturbing are reports of child sexual abuse and defilement during the periods of lockdown as children are confined in their homes,” the press release from Ditshwanelo states.