Ziniaré (AIB) – On the initiative of the regional directorate in charge of the Family of the Central Plateau, children denounced, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Ziniaré, the violence against them and called on the authorities to protect them more.
On the occasion of the 3 rd regional forum for the African child, the children took the floor to talk about the violence of which they are victims. They cited, among other things, physical and emotional violence, including female circumcision, forced and/or early marriage, labor exploitation, etc.
“During this forum, we learned to denounce the acts of violence, to express our feelings concerning this subject (…). Often we have a lot to say but we miss the opportunity. It is a forum for expression and questioning for us, ”said Murielle Poda, a student in second C at the regional science high school in Ziniaré.
“In this fight against violence against children, we are asking for help because we do not have the capacity to do it on our own. We need to be protected,” pleaded the teenager.
For the year 2021, more than 400 cases of violence against children have been listed in the Central Plateau region, deplored the regional director in charge of the Family, Aïssatou Traoré.
For her, the forum, which is placed under the theme “Childhood and the fight against violence in the Central Plateau region”, is a boon for children, especially since, she added, it is part of within the framework of Child Sensitive Accountability, an approach based on the participation of children in the process of promoting and protecting their rights.
Social affairs administrator, Sahiyouba Koubem, insisted on the need to set up reception centers and build the capacities of those involved in the fight against violence against children.
Mr. Koubem called for action as soon as possible, because of the security situation which, according to him, could constitute fertile ground for the recruitment of children into the ranks of terrorists.
Before the exchanges, the children took part, in the morning, in a popular cross.
As a reminder, the regional forum for African children was organized in partnership with non-governmental organizations such as the Christian Organization for Mutual Assistance and Development (OCED), Christian Relief and Development Organization (CREDO) and the Catholic Organization for Development and Solidarity (OCADES) and Children Believe.
Source: Burkina Information Agency