Huambo: The head of the National Institute for Children (INAC) in central Huambo province, Eus©bio Evaristo, pledged on Tuesday to intensify measures aimed at promoting, protecting, and defending the rights of minors, with a particular focus on preventing child abuse.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the initiative will encompass awareness campaigns, community engagement, and collaboration with families, schools, and social partners to ensure the well-being and comprehensive development of children. Evaristo highlighted the alarming statistics, noting a rise in reported cases of violence against children, with 3,422 cases recorded in 2025, up from 2,379 in 2024. These incidents include allegations of witchcraft, maternity ward abandonment, sexual abuse, neglect in providing food, family abandonment, physical aggression, mistreatment, and paternity ward abandonment.

Evaristo provided further details, citing 101 cases of child abandonment, 507 instances involving the births of children aged 14 to 17, 512 custody disputes, 513 cases of child labor exploitation, and 582 cases of early pregnancy. The crimes were reportedly committed by various individuals, including bank employees (five), nurses (24), taxi drivers (74), National Police officers (83), members of the Angolan Armed Forces (105), teachers (158), and community members (902).

In response to these troubling statistics, Evaristo noted that INAC has established 140 child rights protection networks across 16 of Huambo province's 17 municipalities. He expressed concern over the involvement of 177 children in criminal activities and emphasized the institution's commitment to not only preventing these crimes but also ensuring accountability for perpetrators, while maintaining a focus on the physical and emotional well-being of children.